Gut microbiome diversity predicts cognitive function and brain structure in healthy children

Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiome in cognitive outcomes and neurodevelopmental disorders, but the influence of gut microbial metabolism on typical neurodevelopment has not been explored in detail.

Researchers from Wellesley College, in collaboration with other institutions, have demonstrated that differences in the gut microbiome are associated with overall cognitive function and brain structure in healthy children. This study – published today in Science Advances – is a part of the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcome (ECHO) Program funded by the National Institutes of Health. This study investigates this relationship in 381 healthy children, all part of The RESONANCE cohort in Providence, Rhode Island, offering novel insights into early childhood development.

Key findings:

• The research reveals a connection between the gut microbiome and cognitive function in children. Specific gut microbial species, such as Alistipes obesi and Blautia wexlerae, are associated with higher cognitive functions. Conversely, species like Ruminococcus gnavus are more prevalent in children with lower cognitive scores.
• The study emphasizes the role of microbial genes, particularly those involved in the metabolism of neuroactive compounds like short-chain fatty acids, in influencing cognitive abilities.
• Advanced machine learning models demonstrated the capability of gut microbial profiles to predict variations in brain structure and cognitive performance, highlighting the potential for early detection and intervention strategies in neurodevelopment.
• This study represents an important first step in the understanding of the relationship between the gut biome and cognitive function in children. The corresponding author Vanja Klepac-Ceraj notes, "This research on a single cohort offers exciting hypotheses that we now want to test in additional settings."

What makes this research novel?

This research is the first to examine the gut-brain-microbiome axis in normal neurocognitive development among healthy children. The integration of multivariable linear and machine learning models to analyze the complex relationship between gut microbiome profiles and neurodevelopment is innovative. These models not only established the association of gut microbiota with cognitive function but also predicted future cognitive performance based on early-life microbial profiles.

Public health relevance:

The findings pave the way for developing biomarkers for neurocognition and brain development. This research could lead to early detection of developmental issues and interventions, potentially mitigating long-term cognitive challenges. It highlights the importance of gut health in early childhood, suggesting dietary and lifestyle considerations for parents and healthcare providers. Furthermore, this study marks the first step in formulating hypotheses that can be tested experimentally and in animal models.

Contribution of Wellesley College:

Wellesley College played a crucial role in this research. The Klepac-Ceraj Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences provided essential expertise in microbiome analysis and cognitive assessment. The lead author of this study, Dr. Kevin Bonham together with Dr. Guilherme Fahur Bottino spearheaded the data analyses. The college's dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration was instrumental in conducting this complex study.