[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

Dopamine production in Enterococcus faecium: A microbial endocrinology-based mechanism for the selection of probiotics based on neurochemical-producing potential

PLoS One. 2018 Nov 28;13(11):e0207038. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207038. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

The mechanisms by which probiotics may influence host physiology are still incompletely understood. Microbial endocrinology, a field representing the union of microbiology, endocrinology and neurobiology, has theorized that microorganisms have the capacity to serve as neurochemical delivery vehicles [1]. According to microbial endocrinology, neurochemicals can serve as a common language between host and bacterium, enabling bidirectional communication. We report herein the first demonstration that Enterococcus sp. has the capacity to produce dopamine in a gastrointestinal-like environment when supplied with the dopamine precursor L-3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa). The results presented herein provide a means to select probiotics based on neurochemical-producing potential and suggest the possibility that probiotics containing E. faecium may serve to influence the host through dopaminergic pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dopamine / biosynthesis*
  • Endocrinology
  • Enterococcus faecium / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Levodopa / metabolism
  • Neurochemistry
  • Probiotics / metabolism*

Substances

  • Levodopa
  • Dopamine

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the United States Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research award #N00014-15-1-2706 to ML and internal Iowa State University funds provided by the W. Eugene Lloyd Chair in Toxicology to ML.