Gut Microbiota-Produced Tryptamine Activates an Epithelial G-Protein-Coupled Receptor to Increase Colonic Secretion (Cell Host & Microbe)

Bhattarai et al. uncovered the mechanism by which a bacteria-derived small molecule can alter host gastrointestinal function. Tryptamine produced by bacterial decarboxylation of dietary tryptophan accelerates gastrointestinal transit by activating the epithelial G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) serotonin receptor-4 (5-HT4R) and increasing anion-dependent fluid secretion in the proximal colon.