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Minding Our Microbes

Our bodies are comprised of around ten times more microbial cells than human eukaryotic cells, and more and more, we are learning that these microbes that make up “us” play a fundamental role in regulating brain development and function, and behavior.

Microbes modulate host levels of neuroactive molecules, including neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, as well as complex behaviors, such as social, communicative, emotional and anxiety-like behaviors. Alterations in the microbial communities that inhabit us are further implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, including autism, depression and Parkinson's disease.