An enteroendocrine-microbial axis in the large intestine controls host metabolism.

ABSTRACT: Nutrient handling is an essential function of the gastrointestinal tract. Most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine and is coordinated by hormone-producing intestinal epithelial cells known as enteroendocrine cells (EECs)¹. In contrast, the colon mostly reclaims water and electrolytes, and handles the influx of microbially-derived metabolites, including short chain fatty acids (SCFA)^2-4. Hormonal responses of small intestinal EECs have been extensively studied but much less in known about the role of colonic EECs in metabolic regulation. To address this core question, we investigated a mouse model deficient in colonic EECs. We found that colonic EEC deficiency leads to hyperphagia and obesity. Surprisingly, colonic EEC deficiency results in altered microb

SUBMITTER: Tan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10350199 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature