Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders

Abstract Melatonin (MT) (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine recognized primarily for its crucial role in regulating sleep through circadian rhythm modulation in humans and animals. Beyond its association with the pineal gland, it is synthesized in various tissues, functioning as a hormo...

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Main Authors: Petra Zimmermann, Salome Kurth, Benoit Pugin, Nicholas A. Bokulich
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-11-01
Series:npj Biofilms and Microbiomes
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00605-6
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author Petra Zimmermann
Salome Kurth
Benoit Pugin
Nicholas A. Bokulich
author_facet Petra Zimmermann
Salome Kurth
Benoit Pugin
Nicholas A. Bokulich
author_sort Petra Zimmermann
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Melatonin (MT) (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine recognized primarily for its crucial role in regulating sleep through circadian rhythm modulation in humans and animals. Beyond its association with the pineal gland, it is synthesized in various tissues, functioning as a hormone, tissue factor, autocoid, paracoid, and antioxidant, impacting multiple organ systems, including the gut-brain axis. However, the mechanisms of extra-pineal MT production and its role in microbiota-host interactions remain less understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MT, including its production, actions sites, metabolic pathways, and implications for human health. The gastrointestinal tract is highlighted as an additional source of MT, with an examination of its effects on the intestinal microbiota. This review explores whether the microbiota contributes to MT in the intestine, its relationship to food intake, and the implications for human health. Due to its impacts on the intestinal microbiota, MT may be a valuable therapeutic agent for various dysbiosis-associated conditions. Moreover, due to its influence on intestinal MT levels, the microbiota may be a possible therapeutic target for treating health disorders related to circadian rhythm dysregulation.
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spelling doaj-art-9e0bdc4599ae4ef2875e8e45261379fb2025-08-20T02:51:42ZengNature Portfolionpj Biofilms and Microbiomes2055-50082024-11-0110111710.1038/s41522-024-00605-6Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disordersPetra Zimmermann0Salome Kurth1Benoit Pugin2Nicholas A. Bokulich3Department of Community Health, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of FribourgDepartment of Psychology, University of FribourgLaboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH ZurichLaboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH ZurichAbstract Melatonin (MT) (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine recognized primarily for its crucial role in regulating sleep through circadian rhythm modulation in humans and animals. Beyond its association with the pineal gland, it is synthesized in various tissues, functioning as a hormone, tissue factor, autocoid, paracoid, and antioxidant, impacting multiple organ systems, including the gut-brain axis. However, the mechanisms of extra-pineal MT production and its role in microbiota-host interactions remain less understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MT, including its production, actions sites, metabolic pathways, and implications for human health. The gastrointestinal tract is highlighted as an additional source of MT, with an examination of its effects on the intestinal microbiota. This review explores whether the microbiota contributes to MT in the intestine, its relationship to food intake, and the implications for human health. Due to its impacts on the intestinal microbiota, MT may be a valuable therapeutic agent for various dysbiosis-associated conditions. Moreover, due to its influence on intestinal MT levels, the microbiota may be a possible therapeutic target for treating health disorders related to circadian rhythm dysregulation.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00605-6
spellingShingle Petra Zimmermann
Salome Kurth
Benoit Pugin
Nicholas A. Bokulich
Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
npj Biofilms and Microbiomes
title Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
title_full Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
title_fullStr Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
title_full_unstemmed Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
title_short Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
title_sort microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00605-6
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