Microbial reactivation of host androgens directs enteric neuronal regulation of gut motility

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 02 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02321-0

This study shows that androgens signal to specific enteric neurons to stimulate gut motility. Bacterial metabolism of host-derived steroids generates the ligands, revealing a dynamic host–microbe interaction that influences nervous system function.