Microbiota-Derived Neurochemicals: From Microbial Fitness to Host Neurochemical Communication

Research into microbiota-derived neurochemicals is reshaping our understanding of host–microbe communication within diverse human ecosystems such as the gut and skin. Recent evidence highlights that many commensal and symbiotic microorganisms synthesize a broad spectrum of neuroactive molecules—including amines, indoles, short-chain fatty acids, and peptide-based neurotransmitter analogs—via specialized enzymatic pathways. Traditionally thought to be exclusive host products, these microbial compounds now emerge as critical players influencing both microbial fitness and interkingdom signaling. Despite advances revealing metabolic diversity and widespread production of these neurochemicals, substantial gaps persist in understanding how microbial physiology underpins their biosynthesis, the regulatory factors shaping their production, and the precise roles they play in modulating host physiological and signaling systems through axes like gut–brain or skin–brain communication.The primary aim of this Research Topic is to elucidate the origins and functional consequences of microbiota-derived neurochemicals across various host-associated niches. This includes dissecting the full suite of biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms that guide the microbial generation of neuroactive metabolites, and clarifying their ecological roles in microbial survival, stress response, and colonization. Furthermore, the Research Topic seeks to define how these microbial molecules influence host signaling, immune responses, metabolism, and neural communication, and to uncover potential conserved mechanisms that may serve as novel therapeutic targets. Through this multidisciplinary approach, we aspire to establish a holistic framework linking microbial metabolism with neurochemical dynamics governing host–microbe relationships.This topic encompasses a comprehensive range of studies on microbiota-derived neurochemicals and their roles at the interface of microbial and host biology. Submissions are limited to works that explore the production and function of neuroactive metabolites and enzymes in the context of microbiome-driven processes. To guide future research, we encourage contributions on the following themes:o Diversity and mechanisms of microbial neurochemical biosynthesiso Regulation of neuroactive metabolic pathways in commensal and symbiotic communitieso Ecological roles of neurochemicals in microbial fitness, adaptation, and community dynamicso Impacts of microbiota-derived neurochemicals on host signaling, immunity, and barrier integrityo Cross-talk between distinct host–microbe communication axes (such as gut–brain and skin–brain)o Systems biology and metabolomics approaches to map neurochemical networks in host–microbe settingsWe welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Hypothesis and Theory articles, Perspectives, and Method papers that further mechanistic insights into how microbial metabolism shapes neurochemical interplay within human-associated microbiomes. Topic editors: Friedrich Götz, Arif Luqman, Samane Rahmdel Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76103/microbiota-derived-neurochemicals-from-microbial-fitness-to-host-neurochemical-communication