Gut Microbes Regulate Digestive Motility by Reactivating Host Androgens

A study published in *Nature Neuroscience* on June 2, 2026, identifies a biological mechanism in which gut microbes regulate digestive tract movement by reactivating host androgens. The research demonstrates that specific microbial enzymes interact with these hormones to influence enteric neuronal circuits, which in turn control the motility of the gut.

The findings detail how the gut microbiome processes host-derived androgens, effectively “reactivating” them to perform a functional role within the digestive system. By altering these hormonal signals, the microbial population directly impacts the activity of the neurons responsible for gut contractions. This process establishes a direct link between microbial metabolism and the physiological regulation of the enteric nervous system, providing new data on how the microbiome contributes to host digestive function.

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Source: GO-AI-ne1

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Date: June 2, 2026

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GOAI