Serotonin
Plain-English definitions of microbiome research vocabulary — the terms you'll see across articles, testing services, and probiotic claims.
A neurotransmitter commonly associated with mood regulation, of which approximately 95% is produced in the gut by enterochromaffin cells. Gut-derived serotonin influences intestinal motility, secretion, and pain perception. The microbiome modulates serotonin production, forming a key link in the gut-brain axis.
Related terms
Enterochromaffin Cells
Specialised cells in the gut lining that produce approximately 95% of the body's serotonin. Their activity is directly influenced by the gut microbiome, making them a key link in the gut-brain axis.
Gut-Brain Axis
The bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, involving neural, hormonal, and immune pathways. The microbiome plays a central role in this communication.