The Effect of Tryptophan Synthesizing Bacteria on Gut Motility in Mice
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
In this study, we investigated if bacterial production of tryptophan (Trp), a serotonin precursor, can modulate gut motility. Two groups of mice received live B. subtilis strains with or without the capacity to synthesize Trp by daily gavaged for seven days. Whole gastrointestinal transit and colonic transit times were obtained pre- and post-treatment. Mice treated with Trp-synthesizing bacteria demonstrated faster colonic motility, while mice treated with bacteria unable to produce Trp had no motility changes when compared to baseline. These findings indicate that bacterial Trp production may enhance 5-HT-mediated GI motility.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Gary Mawe
Graduate Student Mentors
Theresa Legan
Status
Graduate
Student College
Graduate College
Program/Major
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
The Effect of Tryptophan Synthesizing Bacteria on Gut Motility in Mice
In this study, we investigated if bacterial production of tryptophan (Trp), a serotonin precursor, can modulate gut motility. Two groups of mice received live B. subtilis strains with or without the capacity to synthesize Trp by daily gavaged for seven days. Whole gastrointestinal transit and colonic transit times were obtained pre- and post-treatment. Mice treated with Trp-synthesizing bacteria demonstrated faster colonic motility, while mice treated with bacteria unable to produce Trp had no motility changes when compared to baseline. These findings indicate that bacterial Trp production may enhance 5-HT-mediated GI motility.