Gut-brain axis

The microbiota–gut–brain axis is a bidirectional channel of communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract.The microbiota gut-brain axis (MGB) is emerging as a pivotal pathway involved in the maintenance of brain physiology as well as in the sustaining the pathophysiological events underlying neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), aging, autism spectrum disorder, and depression

The mechanisms underlying the MGB rely mainly on interactions between the enteric bacteria, physiological barriers (including gut and blood brain barrier), immune system and nerve pathways. Indeed, pathogenic bacterial products can translocate into the blood stream and spread upwards to the brain, where they can impair blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity and influence the central circuits. In addition, bacterial products can directly activate circulating immune/inflammatory cells, which, in turn, migrate to the brain and alter BBB. 

Our research investigates the role of the MGB in the disorders of the central nervous system, including neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. This knowledge will contribute to the design new specific therapeutical approaches (i.e. modulation of gut microbiota and drugs) to slowdown or halt disease progression, leading to the development of effective and novel therapies.

Our research focuses on three main areas:

• Molecular mechanisms that govern MGB

We are currently investigating the mechanisms underlying the MGB in animal models of AD and PD,  including SAMP8, 5xFAD, A53T mice and 6-OHDA-treated animals. In particular, we are focused on role of gut barrier, including mucus layer, intestinal epithelial barrier and gut vascular barrier and blood brain barrier in the spreading of pathological signals from gut to the brain.

• Novel therapeutical approaches

We ae currently characterizing the effects of pre- and probiotics and gut-directed locally acting anti-inflammatory drugs in animal models of AD and PD,  including SAMP8, 5xFAD, A53T mice and 6-OHDA-treated animals. We study the effects of these therapeutical approaches on gut and brain neurogenic-immune/inflammatory responses with particular regard for NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, brain neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration and diseases cognitive and motor symptoms.

• Translational studies

We are currently studying the role of MGB in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including PD and AD patients. In particular, we are characterizing gut alterations in naïve patients in order to clarify the potential impact that evaluating gut alterations in brain disorders could have on clinical practice, in terms of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, in the near future.