Decoding the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Therapies

The gut-brain axis represents a complex and bidirectional communication system linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Recent scientific advancements have improved our understanding on how this network influences not just digestive health, but also neurological processes. The gut microbiota, a critical component of this axis, is increasingly recognized for its role in regulating immune responses, metabolic functions, and even behavior. As emerging research continues to map the connections between gut health and brain function, it becomes evident that dysregulation within this axis may contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorder and Down syndrome, amongst other conditions. Understanding these connections opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions that could significantly impact patient outcomes.

This Research Topic aims to advance our knowledge of the gut-brain axis and its implications for neurodegenerative disease therapies. By integrating insights from diverse fields, including neurology, gastroenterology, and immunology, we aim to advance our understanding of how gut microbiota and related pathways influence neurodegeneration. The goal of this Topic is to identify and explore potential targets for innovative treatments, highlighting the gut-brain axis as a promising frontier in neurotherapeutics.

We invite contributions that investigate various aspects of the gut-brain axis and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases, including but not limited to:

• The role of diet and nutrition in modulating gut-brain interactions.

• Development and efficacy of microbiome-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

• Impact of microbial diversity on neurological health and disease progression.

• Mechanisms of gut-brain communication, such as metabolite signaling and the role of the vagus nerve.

• Exploration of biomarkers for early detection and intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.

• Investigations into the influence of the immune system within the gut-brain axis.

By gathering insights from these areas, we will build a comprehensive resource that contributes to the advancement of neurodegenerative disease research and treatment.

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
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... 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
• 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
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Gut-Brain Axis; Neurodegenerative Disease; Gut-Brain Interactions

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.