Biomol Ther.  2024 Jul;32(4):403-423. 10.4062/biomolther.2024.009.

Gut Microbiota Metabolite Messengers in Brain Function and Pathology at a View of Cell Type-Based Receptor and Enzyme Reaction

• Lee B
• Lee SM
• Song JW
• Choi JW

• KMID: 2557172
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2024.009

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract houses a diverse microbial community, known as the gut microbiome comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s equilibrium and has recently been discovered to influence the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). The communication between the nervous system and the GI tract occurs through a two-way network called the gut-brain axis. The nervous system and the GI tract can modulate each other through activated neuronal cells, the immune system, and metabolites produced by the gut microbiome. Extensive research both in preclinical and clinical realms, has highlighted the complex relationship between the gut and diseases associated with the CNS, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review aims to delineate receptor and target enzymes linked with gut microbiota metabolites and explore their specific roles within the brain, particularly their impact on CNS-related diseases.

Keyword

Gut-brain axis; Gut microbiome metabolites; Short-chain fatty acids; Secondary bile acids; Tryptophan metabolites; Neurodegenerative disease