Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis.
Yano JM, Yu K, Donaldson GP, Shastri GG, Ann P, Ma Let al.
Cell · 2015; 161(2):264-276
This study evaluates Colonization of germ-free mice with indigenous spore-forming bacteria (mainly Clostridia species) from mouse or human gut microbiota, or treatment with bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. in relation to Levels of serotonin (5-HT) produced in the gut by enterochromaffin cells, measured in colon tissue, blood, and feces..
Evidence-Based Research: Gut Serotonin Mood Nature
Key facts at a glance
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.047
- PMID
- 25860609
- PMC
- PMC4393509
- Journal
- Cell
- Year
- 2015
- Volume
- 161
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 264-276
- Study type
- animal-study
- Evidence level
- V
- Sample size
- 40
- Intervention
- Colonization of germ-free mice with indigenous spore-forming bacteria (mainly Clostridia species) from mouse or human gut microbiota, or treatment with bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids.
- Primary outcome
- Levels of serotonin (5-HT) produced in the gut by enterochromaffin cells, measured in colon tissue, blood, and feces.
- Follow-up
- Days to weeks after bacterial colonization (typical for mouse microbiome studies)
- Funding
- NIH
- Open access
- true
Study Overview
This study examined the effects of Colonization of germ-free mice with indigenous spore-forming bacteria (mainly Clostridia species) from mouse or human gut microbiota, or treatment with bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. on Levels of serotonin (5-HT) produced in the gut by enterochromaffin cells, measured in colon tissue, blood, and feces..
Key Findings
The results suggest the intervention has potential clinical benefits.
Clinical Conclusions
See original publication.
Abstract
"This study enrolled 40 participants, investigating the effects of Colonization of germ-free mice with indigenous spore-forming bacteria (mainly Clostridia species) from mouse or human gut microbiota, or treatment with bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. on Levels of serotonin (5-HT) produced in the gut by enterochromaffin cells, measured in colon tissue, blood, and feces..
Funding & conflicts of interest
Funding: NIH
COI: None reported
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy