Publications by authors named "Julia Spielbauer"
Brain Behav Immun
October 2024
Article Synopsis
- Recent studies highlight the role of bacterial peptidoglycan fragments, specifically the muramyl dipeptide (MDP), as signaling molecules from gut bacteria that may influence brain function and behavior.
- MDP triggers rapid changes in gene expression and cytokine secretion in microglial cells, with its lowest effective dose significantly impacting CCL5, which is crucial for memory and synaptic function.
- The study suggests that varying MDP levels activate distinct microglial responses by involving NF-κB and MAPK pathways, positioning microglia as key players in the communication between gut microbiota and brain health.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
January 2023
Article Synopsis
- Peptidoglycan is a big part of the cell wall in bacteria and can influence how our bodies act when it gets into them.
- Researchers studied how peptidoglycan moves from our intestines into our bodies and found it tends to go to certain organs, especially the brain.
- The movement of peptidoglycan is controlled by the body's nervous system and is helped by good bacteria in our gut.
