Do tryptophan-synthesizing bacteria modulate expression of serotonin-related proteins in the gut?

Presenter's Name(s)

Brendan Cox

Conference Year

2024

Abstract

Serotonin plays a large role in the gastrointestinal system, influencing functions such as motility, secretion, and vasodilation that are essential to human health. This project utilized Bacillus subtilis for its ability to synthesize tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin. The effect of daily treatment with Bacillus subtilis on expression of serotonin related proteins in the mouse colon was measured using RT-qPCR and HPLC. Expression of serotonin related proteins in Bacillus subtilis treated mice was not significantly different than in mice treated with PBS. This result was thought to be due to the small sample size or a non-optimal treatment duration.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Brigitte Lavoie

Status

Undergraduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Neuroscience

Primary Research Category

Life Sciences

Abstract only.

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Do tryptophan-synthesizing bacteria modulate expression of serotonin-related proteins in the gut?

Serotonin plays a large role in the gastrointestinal system, influencing functions such as motility, secretion, and vasodilation that are essential to human health. This project utilized Bacillus subtilis for its ability to synthesize tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin. The effect of daily treatment with Bacillus subtilis on expression of serotonin related proteins in the mouse colon was measured using RT-qPCR and HPLC. Expression of serotonin related proteins in Bacillus subtilis treated mice was not significantly different than in mice treated with PBS. This result was thought to be due to the small sample size or a non-optimal treatment duration.