Bidirectional Regulation of the Brain-Gut Axis in Macaca Mulatta: Implications for Wildlife Conservation and Experimentalization

The intricate relationship between psychological stress and gut microbiota has long intrigued researchers. While it is known that these two factors are interrelated, the precise nature of their causal connection remains shrouded in mystery. For example, it remains unclear whether psychological stress directly impacts the gut microbiota or if a complex bidirectional feedback mechanism is at play. Additionally, the specific molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in this interaction have yet to be fully understood. In this context, our study on wild Hainan macaques has made significant strides. We discovered that psychological stress profoundly alters the composition and function of the gut microbiota. More specifically, stress-induced changes in the gut microbiota are closely associated with shifts in key metabolites, particularly coumarins, which are known to interact with the nervous system. This finding suggests a feedback loop where stress modulates neurological function via microbiota-derived metabolites.