Abstract
The gut microbiome interacts with the nervous system through the activity of microglia, which are macrophages that have a neuroprotective role by phagocytosing debris from dying neurones. Microglia are active in the development of the nervous system and thus the gut microbiome may influence brain development through these cells. This project will use a germ free zebrafish model to investigate how the gut microbiome influences microglia activity and the impact upon neuronal development.
Results from these studies will lead to an understanding of how the gut microbiome influences neuronal development and whether manipulation of microbiotal composition can ameliorate neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
References
1 Morsch et al 2015 Front Cell Neurosci.31;9:3212
2 Walker et al 2017 Pediatr Obes. 2017 Apr 26.
3 Rawls et al 2006 Cell 127:423-433
4 Colucci-Guyon et al 2011 J Cell Sci 124:3053-3059
5 Vasanth et al Front Immunol 2015 19: 409