Neurobiologists have demonstrated the impact of trace amine receptors on gut function.

The research findings have been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The system of trace amine receptors was recently described by scientists, and studies have shown that these receptors are present in various organs and tissues, including the digestive system. The role of these substances is still largely unclear; however, the most studied receptor in this group, TAAR1, has already become a target for new generation antipsychotic drugs.

The study of these receptors and the search for compounds that affect their activity is one of the scientific priorities of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at St. Petersburg State University, established in 2015 under the leadership of Raul Gainetdinov, a leading global scientist in the field of dopamine pharmacology. The neurobiologist from SPbSU has gained international recognition for identifying and studying a new neurotransmitter system related to trace amines. Today, under his guidance, the scientific team at the Institute of Translational Biomedicine is developing new medications for treating brain diseases, utilizing the latest advancements in genetics and molecular biology. Last year, he was awarded the title of "Scientist of the Year" at the first national award in future technologies, "Challenge."

Trace amines influence the immune system, neurotransmission, and cardiovascular system, and are found in certain foods as well as synthesized in the human body. They are present in most tissues in minimal concentrations; however, their levels are significantly higher in the intestines, as they are produced during the breakdown of amino acids by bacteria residing in the gastrointestinal tract.

In cases of inflammatory diseases, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer, the production of trace amines by the microbiota increases, affecting the overall functioning of the digestive system and enhancing intestinal motility. The TAAR1 receptor plays a role in the digestive system's response to elevated levels of trace amines. Using computational biology methods and bioinformatics resources, researchers at the Institute of Translational Biomedicine have identified the relationship of this receptor with other regulatory molecules in various cells of the intestinal wall.

Scientists from St. Petersburg State University and the Institute of Experimental Medicine studied samples obtained from mice in which the TAAR1 gene was "knocked out" under laboratory conditions.

“The study confirmed that the TAAR1 receptor is primarily present in cells involved in recognizing the chemical composition of intestinal contents and regulating its function in response to changes. These cells include enteroendocrine cells, which produce hormones that influence the overall functioning of the body. Analysis of the genes activated in cells simultaneously with the activation of the TAAR1 receptor gene indicated that it may also be important for the maturation of enteroendocrine cells,” explained Anastasia Vaganova, a senior researcher at the Neurobiology and Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory at SPbSU.

According to her, TAAR1 is one of many receptors that recognize substances produced by the gut microbiota, and its loss does not lead to significant changes in the microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract. However, a thorough comparative analysis conducted by SPbSU specialists showed that mice with an inactivated ("knocked out") TAAR1 gene exhibited a slight increase in bacterial diversity in fecal samples, which allows for an indirect assessment of the gut microbiota's condition. At the same time, the composition of the microbial community in these mice was more stable than in normal mice kept under the same laboratory conditions. These changes are difficult to assess definitively, as the mice remain healthy despite increased impulsivity.

As noted by Raul Gainetdinov, the director of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at SPbSU, the results of the conducted research suggest a possible role of TAAR1 in the "communication" between the organism and intestinal bacteria. This could be significant in the treatment of mental disorders, as drugs that can influence not only cognitive functions but also other processes in the patient's body act specifically on the TAAR1 receptor.