Microbiome Gut-Brain-Axis: Impact on Brain Development and Mental Health

Mol Neurobiol. 2025 Aug;62(8):10813-10833. doi: 10.1007/s12035-025-04846-0. Epub 2025 Apr 15.

Abstract

The current discovery that the gut microbiome, which contains roughly 100 trillion microbes, affects health and disease has catalyzed a boom in multidisciplinary research efforts focused on understanding this relationship. Also, it is commonly demonstrated that the gut and the CNS are closely related in a bidirectional pathway. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for regular brain activities and emotional responses. On the other hand, the CNS regulates the majority of GI physiology. Any disruption in this bidirectional pathway led to a progression of health problems in both directions, neurological and gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, we hope to shed light on the complicated connections of the microbiome-gut-brain axis and the critical roles of gut microbiome in the early development of the brain in order to get a deeper knowledge of microbiome-mediated pathological conditions and management options through rebalancing of gut microbiome.

Keywords: Brain development; Gut microbiome; Gut-brain axis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain* / growth & development
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*