Brain-Body Connections: Bidirectional Communication Between the Brain and Body Systems

This book offers a broad exploration of the intricate networks that facilitate communication between the brain and various systems in the body. At the heart of this volume is the examination of how these connections influence both physiological and pathological outcomes.

The first two chapters of the book describe the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and the interaction of the brain with the peripheral nervous system. The following chapters delve into the reciprocal communication of the brain and the circulatory, immune, metabolic and digestive systems and discuss the impact of these communication mechanisms on human health and disease. Contributions from leading experts provide a detailed analysis of these complex interactions, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the molecular underpinnings of brain-body communication.

Researchers, scholars, and students in neuroscience, physiology, and related fields will find this book invaluable. It not only enhances understanding of the brain's role in regulating bodily functions but also offers insights into potential therapeutic targets for various disorders. This volume is an essential addition to any scientific library.

Daniela Tropea is an Associate Professor of Molecular Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin. She is also part of the FutureNeuro Center in Ireland. Her lab studies the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function and plasticity in health and disease, with a particular focus on growth factors and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Beyond her scientific endeavors, Dr. Tropea is a dedicated educator and mentor. She received Trinity College Dublin’s Innovation in Teaching Award (2019) and the Irish Research Council’s Mentor Award (2022). She is also passionate about disseminating scientific knowledge to the public. She organizes the international meeting Biology of Brain Disorders, an event that fosters interactions between  university students and leading researchers from both industry and academia, providing opportunities for networking and critical thinking. Furthermore, she collaborates with the Trinity Access Program to make scientific education accessible to primary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Tropea was a scholar in the Class of Science at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy, from 1991 to 1996. In 2000, she earned her PhD in Neuroscience from the International School of Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy. Before joining Trinity College Dublin in 2009, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA, USA.

Emanuela Giacometti is Sr. Director in Philips Medical Systems where she focuses on developing research and service partnerships with large hospitals and diagnostic centres. Before joining Philips, Emanuela was a consultant in McKinsey & Company where she worked with executive clients in the Pharmaceutical sector. Emanuela also volunteers for medical startups and social ventures as a commercial and marketing advisor. During her university studies she worked in Novartis Friedrich Miescher Institute. She later obtained a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Basel and  conducting research at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA, USA. During her PhD she studied epigenetic control of gene expression in the brain. She maintains a strong interest in the neurosciences although she now pursues a career in business.