Discovery may be useful for treating obesity and psychiatric conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A new published in Nature realizes the discovery of a hitherto unknown way that allows the intestinal microbes directly influence brain function, behavior and regulation of appetite. The findings introduce a “Neurobiotic senseRecently identified that fills the communication gap between the brain and the intestinal microbiome in real time.
The study, led by neuroscientists Diego Bohorquez and M. Maya Kaelberer, focuses on specialized sensory cells called neuropods. Located in the colon coating, the neuropod act as biological messengerscapable of detecting flageline, a protein released by intestinal bacteria during digestion. Once detected, neuropods transmit an immediate signal to the brain through the vagus nerve, a fundamental neural pathway between the digestive tract and the brain, explains the.
“So far, we have broadly understood the intestinal-brain interaction through hormonal or immunological responses In the long run, ”explained Bohorquez.“ This discovery shows that our gut can send signals to the brain in real time, affecting food behavior and ingestion in moments. ”
The research team conducted mice experiments to observe the effects of this microbial message. After fasting the mice at night, the scientists managed Flageline directly in the colon. The result: mice have significantly reduced food intake.
However, when the same experience was performed on genetically modified mice so that they do not have the TLR5 receiver – a protein needed for neuropods to detect flageline – There was no change In food behavior, and the mice gained weight. This confirmed the importance of the TLR5-Flageline via the suppression of appetite.
The implications of the study go beyond food consumption. Investigators suggest that this “neurobiotic” connection can also perform a role in emotional states And potentially, under mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, influencing the way the intestinal microbes interact with the brain.
The authors emphasized that the study opens new doors for understanding the intestine-brain axis.
“This is just the beginning,” said Bohorquez. “Understanding how microbes can guide human behavior can transform the way we approach conditions such as obesity, eating disorders and even psychiatric diseases.”
