Microbiota–gut–brain signaling: A minireview

Abstract

The gut microbiota of vertebrates, including humans, constitutes an integral genomic part that, together with the genome of the host, may be included under the umbrella concept of hologenome, which itself can be seen as one of the possible tools for evolution. Present-day lifestyles, technologically processed nutrients, and various diseases impact significantly upon composition of the intestinal microbiota. Knowledge recently brought to light has shown the gut microbiota to be a component of the microbiota–gut–brain axis having feedback effects on physiological and psychological processes of the host organism and its health. This minireview summarizes current knowledge and opinions on the importance of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and discusses possibilities for beneficially modulating one of the organism’s most vital axes.