Roles for the gut microbiota in regulating neuronal feeding circuits

• Published in: The Journal of clinical investigation Vol. 131; no. 10
• Main Authors: Yu, Kristie B, Hsiao, Elaine Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society for Clinical Investigation 15.05.2021
• Subjects: Animals; Brain - metabolism; Brain - physiopathology; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - metabolism; Digestive organs; Feeding and Eating Disorders - metabolism; Feeding and Eating Disorders - physiopathology; Feeding Behavior; Food habits; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Tract - innervation; Gastrointestinal Tract - metabolism; Gastrointestinal Tract - physiopathology; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 - metabolism; Health aspects; Humans; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Metabolic Diseases - metabolism; Metabolic Diseases - physiopathology; Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms); Nerve Net - metabolism; Nerve Net - physiopathology; Neurophysiology; Physiological aspects; Review Series; Vagus nerve; United States
• ISSN: 1558-8238; 0021-9738; 1558-8238
• DOI: 10.1172/JCI143772

The gut microbiota has the capacity to affect host appetite via intestinal satiety pathways, as well as complex feeding behaviors. In this Review, we highlight recent evidence that the gut microbiota can modulate food preference across model organisms. We discuss effects of the gut microbiota on the vagus nerve and brain regions including the hypothalamus, mesolimbic system, and prefrontal cortex, which play key roles in regulating feeding behavior. Crosstalk between commensal bacteria and the central and peripheral nervous systems is associated with alterations in signaling of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides such as dopamine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). We further consider areas for future research on mechanisms by which gut microbes may influence feeding behavior involving these neural pathways. Understanding roles for the gut microbiota in feeding regulation will be important for informing therapeutic strategies to treat metabolic and eating disorders.