Gut Microbiota-brain Axis Research

Microbiota-gut-brain axis refers to the role of the gut flora playing in signaling between the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and the central nervous system (CNS) by means of neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral links. In the past years, there has been a proliferation of experimental works aimed at exploring the contribution of the microbiota in modulating gut-brain axis (GBA), there has been prominent evidence that gut microbiota influences anxiety, depressive-like behaviors and mood disorders, and regulates the set point for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity. And the interaction of microbiota and GBA might also present in many other ways including altering nutrient availability and affecting mucosal immune activation.

Figure 1. The bidirectional communication pathways between the gut microbiota and the brain (Toribio-Mateas 2018)

Microbiota-gut-brain axis has become progressively more extensive at the global level over the recent decades, with a large amount of work focused on immunomodulation, irritable bowel syndrome, and neurodevelopmental disorders, which can be a promising research area for therapeutic intervention of many diseases.

CD Genomics combines cutting-edge technical strategies with the use of germ-free animals, probiotics, antibiotics and infection studies to elucidate the mechanism of microbiota-gut-brain axis for the enlightenment of basic science and therapeutic applications. These strategies include microbiota analysis, single-cell sequencing and neural circuit mapping technologies.

Microbiota analysis service

We provide a full range of technologies for gut microbiota research, our specialty lies in multi-omics analysis by means of next-generation sequencing, functional analysis of protein, peptides and all kinds of intestinal metabolites, which allows the discovery of critical microorganisms as well as their metabolic pathways, and a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the complex host-microbe ecosystem.

Single-cell sequencing

Our single-cell sequencing service involves sequencing from individual cells with optimized next-generation sequencing technologies, providing a higher resolution of different cell types of the gut-brain axis and a better insight into the functions.

Neural circuit mapping technologies

The properties of neural tissue and principles of its organization into circuits may illuminate the mechanisms of biological communication of the gut-brain-axis. We utilize engineered viral vectors (e.g. AAVs) as circuit mapping tools in the investigation of the interaction between the activation of components of the gut-brain axis and neural circuits operation.

If you have any need or any questions about your gut microbiota research, you are more than welcome to contact us.

*For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.