Within past years, research on (microbiota)-gut-brain axis has accelerated. There is now a large body of evidence on the major influence of the gut on brain physiology, activity, and behavior. On the other hand, it is also clearly established that our emotional state and perception of the environmental cues have an impact on gastrointestinal functions. Numerous components are involved and interact within this two-way road, which makes it complex and still challenging to comprehend. Moreover, majority of the available data is found in animal models, and translational studies with significant results are still scarce.
There is a substantial lack of data on modes of action and/or mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level underlying the gut brain two-way axis of communication, especially in Humans. One major hindrance has been the lack of adapted non-invasive tools in Humans. However, imaging techniques are now evolving together with innovative medical devices capable of monitoring the GI tract (ex: gas-sensing, motility assessment, luminal microbiota sampling). These new techniques will help framing a more detailed knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA).
Moreover, with this Research topic, we would like to focus on the numerous modalities of signal perception not only at the level of the brain but also at the level of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is becoming clearer that to tackle the complexity and variety of mechanisms of communication in play within the MGBA, more insight is needed on how gut senses its environment. Indeed, these interoceptive cues are essential contributors to many functions, including, energy homeostasis and nutrient sensing, satiety and hunger signaling, gastro-intestinal homeostasis and contribute to host-microbiota interaction. Similarly, understanding the mechanisms by which emotional state, stress and more generally the external environment impact the digestive system is equally essential. This knowledge could pave the way for solutions to improve daily well-being and for targeted treatments in several pathologies involving the MGBA.
Opinion articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics. Please note that Translational studies are encouraged and preferred although breakthrough topics with innovative science at the preclinical level will be considered as well.
• Interoception: gut sensing mechanisms (including but not limited to chemical senses, pain, touch, pressure, taste, temperature, hunger…) and how it impacts physiology and behavior
• Role of diet in modulating MGBA (including pre, pro, synbiotics and postbiotics)
• Role and evolution of MGBA in ageing (including gut sensing and microbiota)
• MGBA in physiology and pathophysiology
• Communication between the enteric nervous system/intestinal cells (EC, EE etc…) and brain
• Methodological tools to explore the MGBA in Humans
• External environment perception and how it impacts gut health
Within past years, research on (microbiota)-gut-brain axis has accelerated. There is now a large body of evidence on the major influence of the gut on brain physiology, activity, and behavior. On the other hand, it is also clearly established that our emotional state and perception of the environmental cues have an impact on gastrointestinal functions. Numerous components are involved and interact within this two-way road, which makes it complex and still challenging to comprehend. Moreover, majority of the available data is found in animal models, and translational studies with significant results are still scarce.
There is a substantial lack of data on modes of action and/or mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level underlying the gut brain two-way axis of communication, especially in Humans. One major hindrance has been the lack of adapted non-invasive tools in Humans. However, imaging techniques are now evolving together with innovative medical devices capable of monitoring the GI tract (ex: gas-sensing, motility assessment, luminal microbiota sampling). These new techniques will help framing a more detailed knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA).
Moreover, with this Research topic, we would like to focus on the numerous modalities of signal perception not only at the level of the brain but also at the level of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is becoming clearer that to tackle the complexity and variety of mechanisms of communication in play within the MGBA, more insight is needed on how gut senses its environment. Indeed, these interoceptive cues are essential contributors to many functions, including, energy homeostasis and nutrient sensing, satiety and hunger signaling, gastro-intestinal homeostasis and contribute to host-microbiota interaction. Similarly, understanding the mechanisms by which emotional state, stress and more generally the external environment impact the digestive system is equally essential. This knowledge could pave the way for solutions to improve daily well-being and for targeted treatments in several pathologies involving the MGBA.
Opinion articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics. Please note that Translational studies are encouraged and preferred although breakthrough topics with innovative science at the preclinical level will be considered as well.
• Interoception: gut sensing mechanisms (including but not limited to chemical senses, pain, touch, pressure, taste, temperature, hunger…) and how it impacts physiology and behavior
• Role of diet in modulating MGBA (including pre, pro, synbiotics and postbiotics)
• Role and evolution of MGBA in ageing (including gut sensing and microbiota)
• MGBA in physiology and pathophysiology
• Communication between the enteric nervous system/intestinal cells (EC, EE etc…) and brain
• Methodological tools to explore the MGBA in Humans
• External environment perception and how it impacts gut health
