# Muribaculum intestinale in brain-gut axis regulation: promises and limitations for therapeutic applications

## TL;DR

This paper explores how the gut bacterium Muribaculum intestinale influences the gut-brain axis and its potential for treating brain and metabolic disorders.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the novel regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential of Muribaculum intestinale in the gut-brain axis.

## Key findings

- M. intestinale modulates neurotransmitters, immune responses, and intestinal barrier function through metabolites like short-chain fatty acids.
- Its abundance is influenced by diet, exercise, and antibiotics, with high-fiber diets and exercise increasing its presence.
- Clinical translation faces challenges like technical limitations and individual variability, requiring future strategies like humanized models.

## Abstract

In recent years, the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of the gut-brain axis has garnered increasing attention, with Muribaculum intestinale (M. intestinale) emerging as a novel member of the gut microbiota, exhibiting unique biological characteristics and potential therapeutic value. This article systematically reviews the regulatory mechanisms of M. intestinale in the gut-brain axis and its associations with various diseases. M. intestinale modulates host neurotransmitter synthesis, immune responses, and intestinal barrier function through metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, succinate, and 3-hydroxybutyrate, thereby influencing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric diseases, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, this article explores the distribution differences of M. intestinale in the intestines of mice and humans, as well as its susceptibility to external factors like diet, antibiotics, and exercise. Although current research has unveiled the potential roles of M. intestinale, its clinical translation still faces challenges such as technical bottlenecks and individual variability. Future studies should focus on humanized model construction, synthetic biology modifications, and multi-target intervention strategies to achieve precise microbiota-targeted therapies.

Infographic divided into four panels illustrating the relationship between gut microbiota, diet, health, and research challenges. Panel A shows dietary fiber leading to immune modulation and barrier protection in the gut. Panel B depicts a human silhouette linking gut factors to brain disorders, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Panel C compares increased M. intestinale abundance from a high-fiber diet plus exercise versus reduced abundance from a high-fat diet plus antibiotics. Panel D outlines research challenges and future perspectives, including technical bottlenecks and strategies such as humanized models and synthetic biology.