Microbiome: The missing link between genetics and environmental factors in the case of neurodegenerative diseases?

Over the last few decades, neurodegenerative diseases became one of the top 10 global causes of death. To develop efficient treatments against these incurable diseases, a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis is necessary. Neurodegenerative diseases have a strong environmental component as less than 10% of cases have known hereditary origins. Among the environmental factors associated with the disease, microbiota through its impact on neurodevelopment and the central nervous system is increasingly being associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, emerging data suggests that bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain is taking place in the context of anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder and Parkinson diseases. This presentation will highlight examples thatshed light on how gut microbes and their metabolites can affect human health in the case of neurodegenerative diseases.