Infant gut microbiome composition is associated with non-social fear behavior in a pilot study

Alexander L. Carlson, Kai Xia, M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril, Samuel P. Rosin, Jason P. Fine, Wancen Mu, Jared B. Zopp, Mary C. Kimmel, Martin A. Styner, Amanda L. Thompson, Cathi B. Propper and Rebecca C. Knickmeyer ()
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Alexander L. Carlson: University of North Carolina
Kai Xia: University of North Carolina
M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril: University of North Carolina
Samuel P. Rosin: University of North Carolina
Jason P. Fine: University of North Carolina
Wancen Mu: University of North Carolina
Jared B. Zopp: University of North Carolina
Mary C. Kimmel: University of North Carolina
Martin A. Styner: University of North Carolina
Amanda L. Thompson: University of North Carolina
Cathi B. Propper: University of North Carolina
Rebecca C. Knickmeyer: University of North Carolina

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Experimental manipulation of gut microbes in animal models alters fear behavior and relevant neurocircuitry. In humans, the first year of life is a key period for brain development, the emergence of fearfulness, and the establishment of the gut microbiome. Variation in the infant gut microbiome has previously been linked to cognitive development, but its relationship with fear behavior and neurocircuitry is unknown. In this pilot study of 34 infants, we find that 1-year gut microbiome composition (Weighted Unifrac; lower abundance of Bacteroides, increased abundance of Veillonella, Dialister, and Clostridiales) is significantly associated with increased fear behavior during a non-social fear paradigm. Infants with increased richness and reduced evenness of the 1-month microbiome also display increased non-social fear. This study indicates associations of the human infant gut microbiome with fear behavior and possible relationships with fear-related brain structures on the basis of a small cohort. As such, it represents an important step in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in the development of human fear behaviors, but requires further validation with a larger number of participants.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23281-y

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