Methods and materials for using
This document provides materials and methods related to bacterial compositions containing at least one bacterial organism having tryptophan decarboxylase activity. For example, bacterial compositions containing at least one bacterial organism having tryptophan decarboxylase activity and methods for using such bacterial compositions to improve gastrointestinal epithelial function and/or to treat gastrointestinal disorders are provided.
1. A method for treating a gastrointestinal disorder in a human, wherein said method comprises:
(a) identifying said human as having said gastrointestinal disorder, and
(b) administering a composition comprising at least one live Clostridium sporogenes to said human under conditions wherein gastrointestinal function of said human is improved.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said gastrointestinal disorder is irritable bowel syndrome.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises at least one bacterial organism comprising exogenous tryptophan decarboxylase activity.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said at least one bacterial organism comprising exogenous tryptophan decarboxylase activity is Escherichia coli or Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said composition is a pill, tablet, or capsule.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said pill, tablet, or capsule is configured to deliver said live Clostridium sporogenes to the intestines of said human.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein said at least one bacterial organism comprises exogenous nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having tryptophan decarboxylase activity.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said exogenous nucleic acid encodes a tryptophan decarboxylase derived from Ruminococcus gnavus.