What is this collection about?

The gut-brain axis is a crucial communication network that links the gastrointestinal system with the central nervous system, significantly influencing various physiological processes and overall health. Understanding this bi-directional relationship is essential, as it impacts conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and mental well-being, highlighting the potential for innovative therapeutic interventions.

This Collection seeks to unite research on the interplay between metabolic and neurological functions, focusing on topics such as the role of the gut microbiome in modulating mental health and metabolic disorders, the influence of nutritional status and diet on the gut-brain axis, the impact of therapeutic interventions such as GLP-1 agonists, mechanisms linking gut health and mental well-being, the role of gut hormones in metabolic regulation, and inter-organ communication in health and disease. We invite original research contributions that enhance our understanding of the gut-brain axis and its health implications. 

This is a joint Collection across Communications Medicine, Nature Communications, Nature Neuroscience, Nature Progress Brain Health, and Scientific Reports. All submissions will be subject to the same review process and editorial standards as regular submissions at the participating journals.

Why is this collection important? 

As the prevalence of metabolic, neurological, and mental health conditions continues to rise worldwide, understanding the complex interactions between the gut and brain has become an important research priority. Advances in microbiome science, nutrition, neuroscience, and metabolism are providing new insights into how gut-brain communication influences health and disease.

This Collection supports research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being by highlighting discoveries that may lead to improved prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions. By bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines, it aims to accelerate progress toward better health outcomes and quality of life.

Why submit to a collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by In-House Editors who are experts in their fields and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest. 

Who is involved? 

Communications Medicine is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members. 

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.

Nature Neuroscience  is edited by in-house professional editors.

Nature Progress Brain Health is edited by in-house professional editors.

Scientific Reports  is managed by in-house professional editors and edited by Editorial Board Members.

How can I submit my paper? 

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.