Microbiome and Brain Development

Microbiome maturity and neurodevelopment in terms of axonal growth and myelination shift occur simultaneously in early life and are seemingly related. This process begins at birth, where the mode of delivery plays an important role in the relative abundance of species in the microbiome. Studies show that C-section born infants have stunted microbiota, compared to those born vaginally. Though the associations are not yet fully established, about 20% of children born by C-section are likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prof. John Cryan presents results of a study on adults born via C-section and their altered stress response and pre-clinical studies on germ-free mice with underdeveloped brains and social deficits. He then relates this to microbiota modulation to improve ASD symptoms in mouse models, where a strong association between changes in microbiome composition and ASD phenotypes was observed. Mechanisms, and more aspects into the relation of the microbiome and cognitive development were also discussed.