|
type |
Journal Article |
authors |
Williams BB, Van Benschoten AH, Cimermancic P, Donia MS, Zimmermann M, Taketani M, Ishihara A, Kashyap PC, Fraser JS, Fischbach MA |
title |
Discovery and characterization of gut microbiota decarboxylases that can produce the neurotransmitter tryptamine |
journal |
Cell Host Microbe |
Activity |
temporary |
Family |
4.1.1.105.b |
sel |
selected |
ui |
25263219.1 |
year |
(2014) |
volume |
16 |
number |
4 |
pages |
495-503 |
| |
keywords |
doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2014.09.001 |
abstract |
Several recent studies describe the influence of the gut microbiota on host brain and behavior. However, the mechanisms responsible for microbiota-nervous system interactions are largely unknown. Using a combination of genetics, biochemistry, and crystallography, we identify and characterize two phylogenetically distinct enzymes found in the human microbiome that decarboxylate tryptophan to form the β-arylamine neurotransmitter tryptamine. Although this enzymatic activity is exceedingly rare among bacteria more broadly, analysis of the Human Microbiome Project data demonstrate that at least 10% of the human population harbors at least one bacterium encoding a tryptophan decarboxylase in their gut community. Our results uncover a previously unrecognized enzymatic activity that can give rise to host-modulatory compounds and suggests a potential direct mechanism by which gut microbiota can influence host physiology, including behavior. |
last changed |
2018/05/17 12:28 |
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