The gut microbiome promotes depression.
What is it about?
Microbial imbalances have been linked to major depressive disorders, but the mechanisms affecting mood remain poorly understood. This study reveals a new gut-brain pathway whereby the gut microbiome, by producing bacterial signals, called "quorum sensing molecules" promotes depression..
Why is it important?
Our findings show that the induction of quorum sensing signals after stress lead to the production of a T helper cell population (Th17 cells) in the gut, which then infiltrate the brain to promote depressive-like behaviors in mice. The same pathway activation was also found in human fecal samples of patients with depression. The findings could point the way toward potential therapies targeting the signal pattern or enhancing an individual’s mood through a healthy diet.