Cited by 1,000Gut microbiota and healthGastrointestinal motility and disordersTryptophan and brain disorders

The microbiota-gut-brain axis: from motility to mood

Open access
Margolis, Kara G., Cryan, John F., Mayer, Emeran A.·2021·Gastroenterology

Abstract

The gut-brain axis plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence signaling along this axis, modulating the function of both the enteric and central nervous systems. More recently the role of the microbiome as an important factor in modulating gut-brain signaling has emerged and the concept of a microbiota-gut-brain axis has been established. In this review, we highlight the role of this axis in modulating enteric and central nervous system function and how this may impact disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and disorders of mood and affect. We examine the overlapping biological constructs that underpin these disorders with a special emphasis on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a key role in both the gastrointestinal tract and in the brain. Overall, it is clear that although animal studies have shown much promise, more progress is necessary before these findings can be translated for diagnostic and therapeutic benefit in patient populations.

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Crossref · 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.10.066

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. [53]Diaz Heijtz R, Wang S, Anuar F, Normal gut microbiota modulates brain development and behavior. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2011; 108: 3047– 3052. 21282636 PMC3041077
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Authors
Margolis, K. G., Cryan, J. F., & Mayer, E. A.
Affiliations
  • Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (US)
  • University College Cork (IE)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (US)
Corresponding author
Margolis, Kara G.
Venue
Gastroenterology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2021-04
Volume
160
Issue
5
Pages
1486-1501
ISSN
0016-5085 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3122128474
Cited by
999
References
188
Citations by year
2026: 171 · 2025: 240 · 2024: 208 · 2023: 226 · 2022: 113 · 2021: 40 · 2017: 1
FWCI
15.59
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Gastroenterology (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (RO1 NS015547, R01 DK048351)
  • U.S. Department of Defense (PR160365)
  • Science Foundation Ireland (SFI/12/RC/ 2273_P2)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
Keywords
microbiota-gut-brain axis, gut microbiota, intestinal motility, mood disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, serotonin, enteric nervous system, central nervous system, gut-brain signaling, translational research
MeSH terms
Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, Affect, Animals, Bacteria, Brain, Central Nervous System Diseases, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Gastrointestinal Motility, Humans, Intestines, Dysbiosis

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