About this Research Topic
The gut microbiome, composed of trillions of microorganisms residing in the human digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall health and disease. Recent advancements in genetic tools have revolutionized our ability to understand and manipulate these microbial communities, offering promising avenues for improving neurological health and aging.
One of the foremost genetic tools in this field is CRISPR-Cas9, a precise and efficient gene-editing technology. By using CRISPR-Cas9, we can selectively edit the genomes of gut bacteria to enhance beneficial functions. This technology has enabled the development of engineered probiotics that can produce therapeutic compounds, degrade toxins, or bolster the immune system. Another powerful tool is metagenomic sequencing, which allows for the comprehensive analysis of the entire gut microbiome's genetic material. This approach has revealed the immense diversity and functional potential of gut microorganisms, providing insights into their roles in metabolism, immunity, and disease. Metagenomic data can inform the design of targeted interventions, such as personalized dietary recommendations or microbiome-based therapies.
For instance, genetic modifications in microbiome communities can impact neurotransmitter production, immune responses, and neuroinflammation, all of which are critical factors in neurological health. The interaction between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a significant role in cognitive function and mental health. Disruptions in this axis have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline associated with aging.
By employing genetic techniques to manipulate microbiome composition, researchers aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these interactions and develop targeted therapeutic strategies. This approach holds promise for not only enhancing our understanding of age-related neurological disorders but also for creating novel interventions to promote healthy aging and mitigate cognitive decline. Therefore, this Research Topic will focus on technologies and targeted interventions that harness the power of the microbiome to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases. We welcome Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Commentaries, Data notes, and technical notes.
• Investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which gut microbiota interact with host tissues.
• Studying the role of gut microbiota in the development and management of metabolic disorders such as neurological decline, obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.
• Examine how genetic modulation of the gut microbiome influences the progression and onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
• Research the impact of genetic interventions on age-related changes in gut microbiome composition and how these changes affect cognitive function and age-associated neurological decline.
One of the foremost genetic tools in this field is CRISPR-Cas9, a precise and efficient gene-editing technology. By using CRISPR-Cas9, we can selectively edit the genomes of gut bacteria to enhance beneficial functions. This technology has enabled the development of engineered probiotics that can produce therapeutic compounds, degrade toxins, or bolster the immune system. Another powerful tool is metagenomic sequencing, which allows for the comprehensive analysis of the entire gut microbiome's genetic material. This approach has revealed the immense diversity and functional potential of gut microorganisms, providing insights into their roles in metabolism, immunity, and disease. Metagenomic data can inform the design of targeted interventions, such as personalized dietary recommendations or microbiome-based therapies.
For instance, genetic modifications in microbiome communities can impact neurotransmitter production, immune responses, and neuroinflammation, all of which are critical factors in neurological health. The interaction between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a significant role in cognitive function and mental health. Disruptions in this axis have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline associated with aging.
By employing genetic techniques to manipulate microbiome composition, researchers aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these interactions and develop targeted therapeutic strategies. This approach holds promise for not only enhancing our understanding of age-related neurological disorders but also for creating novel interventions to promote healthy aging and mitigate cognitive decline. Therefore, this Research Topic will focus on technologies and targeted interventions that harness the power of the microbiome to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases. We welcome Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Commentaries, Data notes, and technical notes.
• Investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which gut microbiota interact with host tissues.
• Studying the role of gut microbiota in the development and management of metabolic disorders such as neurological decline, obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.
• Examine how genetic modulation of the gut microbiome influences the progression and onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
• Research the impact of genetic interventions on age-related changes in gut microbiome composition and how these changes affect cognitive function and age-associated neurological decline.
Keywords: Gut Microbiome, Genetic Tools. Microflora, Gut-Brain
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.
