GUT - BRAIN AXIS RESEARCH NETWORK
We were pleased to continue the Gut–Brain Axis Research Network Seminar Series at the Institute for Personalized and Translational Medicine, Ariel University
Second Seminar
Speaker: Anastasia Bagaev, PhD Candidate
Maternal Sodium Propionate Improves Stress-Related Outcomes in Offspring
Anastasia Bagaev, PhD Candidate, presented her research on maternal sodium propionate supplementation and its effects on maternal care, gut permeability, and stress-related behavioral outcomes in offspring.
Speaker: Beatriz Rocha, PhD
When the Gut Speaks, the Brain Listens: Sensory Neurons in Stress and Well-Being
Beatriz Rocha, PhD, explored the role of gut sensory neurons in stress and well-being, highlighting how gut-to-brain signaling may contribute to behavioral and intestinal phenotypes
Key Highlights Covered in the Talk:
This seminar explored the complex communication between the gut and the brain, focusing on how the gut microbiome, microbial metabolites, and sensory neuronal signaling may influence stress, behavior, and well-being.
Presentation 1 – Anastasia Bagaev, PhD Candidate
The presentation examined the effects of maternal sodium propionate supplementation on stress-related outcomes in offspring. Using the Dominant–Submissive mouse model, the study demonstrated associations between stress vulnerability, gut barrier dysfunction, altered microbiota, and reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids. Maternal propionate supplementation improved maternal behavior and gut barrier function and was associated with reduced anxiety-like behavior and increased sociability in offspring.Presentation 2 – Beatriz Rocha, PhD
The presentation focused on sensory neurons as a key communication pathway between the gut and the brain. Findings showed altered sensory neuronal signaling in stress-vulnerable mice, alongside intestinal inflammation and behavioral changes. Modulating sensory neuron activity was shown to improve both intestinal and behavioral phenotypes, highlighting the potential role of gut sensory signaling in regulating stress-related responses.