The microbial tryptophan metabolite indole acts on the gastrointestinal tract to improve glucose homeostasis by enhancing GLP-1 secretion and L-cell differentiation
Phyllis Phuah, Mariana Norton, Sijing Cheng, Anna G. Roberts, Leah Meyer, Pei-En Chung, Cecilia Dunsterville, Rafal Karwowski, Brian Lam, Emile Otsubo, Sofia Aleksashina, Fiona Mary Gribble, Frank M. Reimann, Aylin Carla Hanyaloglu, Giles S.H. Yeo, , Kevin G. Murphy
This paper shows indole, a gut microbial metabolite, improves glucose control by boosting GLP-1 secretion and L-cell differentiation in mice, suggesting it could be used as a therapeutic for type 2 diabetes.
bioRxiv · Jun 24, 2025 · PreprintPhysiology