Exploring the gut-brain axis in neurodevelopmental disorders: Microbiome insights and therapy advancements

The field of neurodevelopmental disorders is witnessing rapid developments thanks to the increased interest in the gut-brain axis and its impact on conditions such as Down syndrome, fragile X, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Current research is unravelling the relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function, suggesting a role in the modulation of neurological and behavioural outcomes. Although recent studies have pointed to microbial composition variances and their effect on neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders, significant questions remain about how these microbiotes affect the central nervous system and the mechanisms involved in neurodevelopmental pathophysiology.

Recent evidence demonstrated altered gut microbiota profiles in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, with experimental models showing that gut metabolite and immune responses can influence neurological processes. Cutting-edge research has begun to identify potential therapeutic avenues facilitated through microbiome modulation. Despite these advances, a comprehensive understanding of the gut-brain interactions and the broader biological mechanisms that underpin these conditions remains incomplete.

This Research Topic aims to explore the role of gut microbiota in the development and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, it seeks to investigate how variations in microbial compositions contribute to disease etiology and how modulations to this system can be leveraged therapeutically. Key objectives include deciphering host genetic-microbiome interactions and understanding the influence of neuroinflammatory pathways and immune modulation on neurodevelopment.

To gather further insights into the impact of gut microbiome dynamics on neurodevelopmental disorders, we welcome original research, reviews, minireview and perspectives articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Microbial composition differences in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders
• Gut metabolite profiles
• Immune modulation and neuroinflammatory pathways
• Host genetic-microbiome interactions
• New experimental models to investigate gut brain interactions and new interventions targeting the gut-brain axis.

We particularly encourage studies utilizing multi-omics methodologies, longitudinal studies, and innovative diagnostic or therapeutic technologies that deepen our knowledge of the gut microbiome's role in neurodevelopment.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: gut-brain axis, Microbiota–gut–brain communication, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, Gut microbiota, faecal microbiota transplantation.

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.