Focus on the essentials: tryptophan metabolism and the microbiome-gut-brain axis

Oct 15, 2019Current opinion in pharmacology

Tryptophan metabolism and its link to the gut microbes and brain communication system

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Abstract

Recent findings suggest that tryptophan metabolism is significantly influenced by microbial activity.

  • Serotonin (5-HT) is a key neurotransmitter in the gut-brain communication system.
  • Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is metabolized with microbial regulation playing a crucial role.
  • The kynurenine pathway is one specific metabolic route that may be impacted by host-microbe interactions.
  • Altered tryptophan metabolism could be linked to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
  • Understanding these mechanisms may enhance insights into the microbiota-gut-brain axis and its implications for neuroscience.

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