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Related Concept Videos

Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

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The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
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The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
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The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
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The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
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Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface
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Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis.

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Gut microbes, specifically spore-forming bacteria, regulate serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) production in the gastrointestinal tract. This interaction influences host physiology, including gut motility and platelet function.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The gastrointestinal tract hosts a significant portion of the body's serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT).
  • Mechanisms governing the metabolism of gut-derived 5-HT are not fully understood.
  • The role of the gut microbiota in regulating host 5-HT remains an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the gut microbiota in regulating host serotonin (5-HT) metabolism.
  • To identify specific microbial factors that influence 5-HT biosynthesis in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • To understand the physiological impact of microbiota-dependent 5-HT regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the role of indigenous spore-forming bacteria (Sp) from mouse and human microbiota.
  • Assessed 5-HT biosynthesis from colonic enterochromaffin cells (ECs) in response to microbial stimuli.
  • Analyzed fecal metabolites and their effect on 5-HT levels in vitro and in germ-free mice.
  • Evaluated the impact of microbiota-dependent 5-HT on gastrointestinal motility and platelet function.

Main Results:

  • Spore-forming bacteria (Sp) were found to promote 5-HT biosynthesis from colonic enterochromaffin cells (ECs).
  • Microbiota-dependent effects on gut 5-HT were shown to significantly impact host physiology, modulating GI motility and platelet function.
  • Specific fecal metabolites, increased by Sp, were identified that elevate 5-HT in chromaffin cell cultures, indicating direct microbial signaling to ECs.
  • Elevating luminal concentrations of particular microbial metabolites increased colonic and blood 5-HT in germ-free mice.

Conclusions:

  • Spore-forming bacteria are critical regulators of host serotonin (5-HT) metabolism in the gut.
  • Host-microbiota interactions play a fundamental role in regulating biological processes involving 5-HT.
  • Microbial metabolites directly signal to enterochromaffin cells, influencing systemic 5-HT levels and host physiology.