A new study reveals that a novel serotonin sensor in the spore-forming gut bacteria, Turicibacter sanguinis, might be important for host lipid and steroid metabolism. These findings support the emerging concept that bidirectional signalling pathways can influence bacterial community structure and exert effects on host physiology.
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Hoffman, J.M., Margolis, K.G. Building community in the gut: a role for mucosal serotonin. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 17, 6–8 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-019-0227-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-019-0227-6