From bugs to brain: unravelling the GABA signalling networks in the brain-gut-microbiome axis

Abstract Convergent data, across species, paint a compelling picture of the critical role of the gut and its resident microbiota in several brain functions and disorders. The chemicals mediating communication along these sophisticated highways of the brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis include both microbiota metabolites and classical neurotransmitters. Amongst the latter, GABA is fundamental to brain function where it mediates the majority of neuronal inhibition. Until recently, GABA’s role and specific molecular targets in the periphery within the BGM axis had received limited attention. Yet, GABA is produced by neuronal and non-neuronal elements of the BGM, and recently GABA-modulating bacteria have been identified as key players in GABAergic gut systems, indicating that GABA-mediated signalling is likely to transcend not only physiological boundaries, but also species. We review available evidence with a view to better understand how GABA facilitates integration of molecularly and functionally disparate systems to bring about overall homeostasis, and how GABA perturbations within the BGM axis can give rise to multi-system medical disorders, thereby magnifying the disease burden and the challenges for patient care. Analysis of transcriptomic databases revealed significant overlaps between GABAAR subunits expressed in the human brain and gut. However, in the gut, there are notable expression profiles for a select number of subunits that have received limited attention to date but could be functionally relevant for BGM axis homeostasis. GABAergic signalling, via different receptor subtypes, directly regulates BGM homeostasis by modulating the excitability of neurons within brain centres responsible for gastrointestinal (GI) function, in a sex-dependent manner, potentially revealing mechanisms underlying the greater prevalence of GI disturbances in females. Apart from such top-down regulation of the BGM axis, a diverse group of cell types, including enteric neurons, glia, enteroendocrine cells, immune cells and bacteria - integrate peripheral GABA signals to influence brain functions and potentially contribute to brain disorders. We propose several priorities for this field, including the exploitation of available technologies to functionally dissect components of these GABA pathways within the BGM, with a GI and brain-behaviour-disease focus. Furthermore, in silico ligand-receptor docking analyses, using relevant bacterial metabolomic datasets, coupled with advances in knowledge of GABAAR 3D structures, could uncover new ligands with novel therapeutic potential. Finally, targeted design of dietary interventions is imperative to advance their therapeutic potential to support GABA homeostasis across the BGM axis.