Neurobiologists from St Petersburg University demonstrate the influence of the trace amine-associated receptor on intestinal function
Scientists from St Petersburg University, in collaboration with their colleagues from the Institute of Experimental Medicine, have studied the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), which is involved in the regulation of mood, behaviour, and perception. Experiments in mice have shown that TAAR1 plays an important role in detecting the chemical composition of intestinal contents and enteroendocrine cells, which are responsible for hormone production.
The trace amine-associated receptor system has only recently been 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 receptors remains largely unclear; however, the most studied receptor in this group, TAAR1, is already a target for a new generation of antipsychotic drugs.
The research findings are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Trace amines influence the immune system, neurotransmission, and the cardiovascular system. They are present in certain foods and are also synthesised in the human body. Although trace amines are found in minimal concentrations in most tissues, their levels are significantly higher in the gut, where they are formed through the bacterial breakdown of amino acids in the digestive tract.
In inflammatory diseases, coeliac disease, and bowel cancer, the production of trace amines by the gut microbiota is increased, affecting the entire digestive system by stimulating intestinal motility. The TAAR1 receptor plays a role in the digestive system’s response to elevated levels of trace amines. Using computational biology and bioinformatics tools, the researchers from the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at St Petersburg University have identified the relationship between TAAR1 and other regulatory molecules in different cells of the intestinal wall.
The study of trace amine-associated receptors and the search for compounds that modulate their activity is one of the key scientific priorities of the St Petersburg University Institute of Translational Biomedicine, established in 2015 under the leadership of Raul Gainetdinov, one of the world’s leading scientists in the pharmacology of the dopamine system. The St Petersburg University neurobiologist is internationally recognised for the identification and study of a new neurotransmitter system related to trace amines. Today, under his supervision, the research team of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at St Petersburg University is developing novel drugs for the treatment of brain disorders, utilising the latest advances in genetics and molecular biology. Last year, Raul Gainetdinov was named Scientist of the Year in the first Russia’s Vyzov ("Challenge") Award for Future Technologies.
The scientists from St Petersburg University and the Institute of Experimental Medicine studied samples from mice in which the TAAR1 gene had been inactivated ("switched off") under laboratory conditions.
"The study confirmed that the TAAR1 receptor is primarily present in cells involved in detecting the chemical composition of intestinal contents and in regulating their function in response to changes. These cells include enteroendocrine cells, which produce hormones that influence the functioning of the entire body. Analysis of the genes activated in cells simultaneously with the TAAR1 receptor gene suggests that it may also play a role in the maturation of enteroendocrine cells," explained Anastasia Vaganova, Senior Research Associate in the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Pharmacology at St Petersburg University.
According to Anastasia Vaganova, TAAR1 is one of many receptors that recognise substances produced by the gut microbiota, and its absence does not cause significant changes in the microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract. However, a thorough comparative analysis conducted by the experts from St Petersburg University revealed that mice with an inactivated ("switched off") TAAR1 gene exhibit a slight increase in bacterial diversity in faecal samples, which are commonly used for indirect assessment of intestinal microflora. At the same time, the composition of the microbial community in these mice was found to be more stable than in normal mice kept under the same laboratory conditions. These changes are difficult to assess, as the mice remain healthy despite exhibiting increased impulsivity.
Raul Gainetdinov, Director of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at St Petersburg University, stated that the research findings suggest that TAAR1 may play a role in the "communication" between the body and gut bacteria. This could be significant in the treatment of mental disorders, as drugs targeting the TAAR1 receptor influence not only mental functions but also other physiological processes in the patient’s body.
St Petersburg University, the oldest university in Russia, was founded on 28 January (8 February) 1724. This is the day when Peter the Great issued a decree establishing the University and the Russian Academy of Sciences. Today, St Petersburg University is an internationally recognised centre for education, research and culture. In 2024, St Petersburg University celebrated its 300th anniversary.
The plan of events during the celebration of the anniversary of the University was approved at the meeting of the Organising Committee for the celebration of St Petersburg University’s 300th anniversary. The meeting was chaired by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Among the events are: the naming of a minor planet in honour of St Petersburg University; the issuance of bank cards with a special design; and the branding of the aircraft of the Rossiya Airlines to name just a few. To mark the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, a postage stamp depicting the Twelve Collegia building and the monument to Count Sergey Uvarov was issued. Also, a Soyuz rocket bearing the symbols of the University was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
By the decision of the Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov, 2024 was a year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University in St Petersburg. On the day of the University’s 300th anniversary torches were lit on the Rostral Columns on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. St Petersburg University flags were raised on the Palace Bridge. The city public transport was decorated with the University’s symbols. During St Petersburg’s City Day celebrations in May 2024, St Petersburg University acted as a participating venue. Additionally, the University launched a website dedicated to the anniversary. The website contains information about outstanding University staff, students, and alumni; scientific achievements; and details of events held as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the University.