Intergenerational effects of the microbiota on neurodevelopment: mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

The gut microbiota may play a crucial role in shaping neurodevelopmental outcomes across generations.

• Gut microbiota is associated with maternal influences on offspring brain and behavior.
• Temporal and intergenerational effects of gut microbiota on host physiology and neurobehavioral outcomes have been observed.
• Mechanisms such as epigenetic regulation and neurotransmitter modulation are involved in neuro-microbial-immunometabolic interactions.
• Maternal states like stress, diet, and inflammation could have long-term impacts on offspring neurodevelopment through the microbiota.
• A translational gap exists from animal models to humans regarding these effects.
• Integrating multi-omics and clinical approaches may help define developmental windows for targeted microbiota-based interventions.

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