Tryptophan Metabolism: A Link Between the Gut Microbiota and Brain

Author:

Gao Kan12ORCID,Mu Chun-long12,Farzi Aitak3,Zhu Wei-yun12

Affiliation:

1. Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China

2. National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China

3. Research Unit of Translational Neurogastroenterology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Pharmacology Section, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Abstract

ABSTRACT The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bilateral communication network between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system. The essential amino acid tryptophan contributes to the normal growth and health of both animals and humans and, importantly, exerts modulatory functions at multiple levels of the GBA. Tryptophan is the sole precursor of serotonin, which is a key monoamine neurotransmitter participating in the modulation of central neurotransmission and enteric physiological function. In addition, tryptophan can be metabolized into kynurenine, tryptamine, and indole, thereby modulating neuroendocrine and intestinal immune responses. The gut microbial influence on tryptophan metabolism emerges as an important driving force in modulating tryptophan metabolism. Here, we focus on the potential role of tryptophan metabolism in the modulation of brain function by the gut microbiota. We start by outlining existing knowledge on tryptophan metabolism, including serotonin synthesis and degradation pathways of the host, and summarize recent advances in demonstrating the influence of the gut microbiota on tryptophan metabolism. The latest evidence revealing those mechanisms by which the gut microbiota modulates tryptophan metabolism, with subsequent effects on brain function, is reviewed. Finally, the potential modulation of intestinal tryptophan metabolism as a therapeutic option for brain and GI functional disorders is also discussed.

Funder

National Natural Science Foundation of China

National Key Basic Research Program of China

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Nutrition and Dietetics,Medicine (miscellaneous),Food Science

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