The exact mechanisms by which gut microbiota influence

The gap

Evidence profile

Stated in the future work and cells research gap sections of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 3 journals.

Supporting evidence — 5 representative gaps

• Editorial: Role of microbiota in neurocognitive disorders: a developmental origin perspective (2026) · Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience · doi

  The era of brain-centered neurology is giving way to a more integrated biological perspective in which the brain-gut axis and the microbiota redefine neuronal health. In this context, the human mind is now considered as an extension of the microbial ecosystem, shaped by the interaction between the human genome and the microbial metagenome, within the framework of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). This research theme entitled “Role of the microbiota in neurocognitive disorders: a developmental perspective” brings together 12 review and research articles that collectively map how the microbiota has shaped human evolution and health. The story begins from the earliest stages of life, where the microbiota acts as a key architect shaping the development of the nervous system. Mallick et al. provide in their paper the foundation of this developmental perspective, by examining how early microbial colonization is a prerequisite for neuronal maturation. However, this founding period is fraught with “hidden gateways” to “pathology.” Mohamed et al. offer a cautionary tale about how early iatrogenic disordersespecially NSAID-induced dysbiosis can trigger autoimmune responses and worsen autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This link between microbial metabolic production and neurodevelopment is further hardened by Serrano-Tomás et al., whose meta-analysis identifies p-cresol as a tangible metabolic signature of the severity of ASD, transforming an intestinal by-product into a clinical compass. As the axis matures, the complexity of the actors involved in the brain-gut axis increases. This Research Topic enhances the mycobiome and the molecular master-regulators to the dominant bacteriocentric model. The fungal dimension was treated by Hadrich et al. and Wang et al. These authors provide proof that fungi such as Candida and Saccharomyces, are not passive residents but active modulators of schizophrenia, depression and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Extending this framework, Mohammadi-Pilehdarboni et al.

  generalstated in future workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: microbiota microbial brain perspective axis health human developmental disorders neuronal shaped framework provide early metabolic
• Infection-driven gut dysbiosis and epigenetic programming of microglia: toward a systems level framework linking microbial metabolites, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and probiotic modulation (2026) · Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · doi

  This review highlights growing evidence that infection-associated gut dysbiosis may contribute to long-term variability in neuroinflammatory susceptibility by influencing systemic immune homeostasis. A key mechanistic insight is that microbiota-derived metabolites, including SCFAs and tryptophan-derived indole compounds, may interact with host epigenetic machinery, thereby linking peripheral immune activity to sustained transcriptional regulation in innate immune cells. Microglia represent a central interface in this process due to their longevity and capacity for functional adaptation.

  generalstated in future workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: immune infection derived review highlights growing evidence associ ated dysbiosis contribute long term variability neuroin
• Infection-driven gut dysbiosis and epigenetic programming of microglia: toward a systems level framework linking microbial metabolites, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and probiotic modulation (2026) · Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · doi

  This review highlights growing evidence that infection-associated gut dysbiosis may contribute to long-term variability in neuroinflammatory susceptibility by influencing systemic immune homeostasis. A key mechanistic insight is that microbiota-derived metabolites, including SCFAs and tryptophan-derived indole compounds, may interact with host epigenetic machinery, thereby linking peripheral immune activity to sustained transcriptional regulation in innate immune cells. Microglia represent a central interface in this process due to their longevity and capacity for functional adaptation.

  generalstated in future workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: immune infection derived review highlights growing evidence associ ated dysbiosis contribute long term variability neuroin
• Infection-driven gut dysbiosis and epigenetic programming of microglia: toward a systems level framework linking microbial metabolites, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and probiotic modulation (2026) · Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · doi

  The exact mechanisms by which gut microbiota influence neurodegenerative disorders are not fully understood. - The effects of probiotics on synaptic function and cognitive performance in humans are not well characterized. - The development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders is hindered by a lack of understanding of the gut-brain axis.

  generalstated in cells research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: exact mechanisms gut microbiota influence neurodegenerative disorders fully
• Gastrointestinal disorders associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis in children aged 0–3 years (2026) · Annales Academiae Medicae Silesiensis · doi

  Further research on the gut microbiota in early child- hood is essential to better understand its role in the de- velopment of chronic conditions such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Although the current evidence shows a strong link between dysbiosis and various health problems in children, the underlying mechanisms remain in- completely understood. Future studies should analyze in detail how the gut microbiota influences immune system development, gastrointestinal maturation, and its interactions with environmental and genetic factors. In addition, developing more precise and ac- cessible diagnostic tools, including microbiota pro- filing tests, will enable earlier detection and more effective treatment approaches. A deeper understanding of how the gut microbiome shapes long-term health has the potential to transform preventive and therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases – particularly in children – and may serve as a cornerstone for future public health interventions. Authors’ contribution Study design – A. Kwiatkowski, M. Kleinert Data collection – A. Kwiatkowski, T. Lepich Manuscript preparation – A. Kwiatkowski, J. Kwiatkowska Literature research – A. Kwiatkowski, M. Górski, R. Polaniak Final approval of the version to be published – A. Kwiatkowski, M. Kleinert, T. Lepich, M. Górski, J. Kwiatkowska, R. Polaniak REFERENCES and Rev.

  generalstated in future workevidence 4/5
  Keywords: kwiatkowski microbiota health chronic diseases children future kleinert lepich kwiatkowska rski polaniak further early child

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