Targeted Neuronal Activation of the Gastrointestinal Tract Shapes the Environment of the Gut in Mice

Enteric neurons have long been implicated in various physiologies. Recent studies have shown that enteric neurons are affected by the microbiota. However, how certain populations of enteric neurons affect physiology, and methods to ask these questions have been evasive. In this study, we are employing activation DREADDs (designed-receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) to address the effect of activating subsets of enteric neurons on the host, specifically in the context of the microbiome and metabolome. Two subsets of neurons we are activating are TH (tyrosine-hydroxylase- rate limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis) and ChAT (Choline acetyl transferase- rate limiting enzyme for acetylcholine synthesis).