Dietary Fibers and Gut Signals: How Fructooligosaccharides Modulate Colonic Motility via Calcium and 5-HT3 Receptors

In this episode, we’re joined by coauthors Preedajit Wongkrasant and Keith A. Sharkey to discuss their recent publication, "Fructooligosaccharides slow colonic motility and activate myenteric neurons via calcium sensing and 5-HT3 receptors in the proximal colon." Calcium-sensing receptors are known to play an important role in gastrointestinal physiology. This study reveals a new function of fructooligosaccharides, a type of dietary fiber, in regulating colonic motility and activating the enteric nervous system. The effects are mediated through calcium-sensing and 5-HT3 receptors, providing new insights into gut–brain communication and potential therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal disorders.   Fructooligosaccharides slow colonic motility and activate myenteric neurons via calcium sensing and 5-HT3 receptors in the proximal colon Preedajit Wongkrasant, Laurie E. Wallace, Wallace K. MacNaughton, and Keith A. Sharkey American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2025 328:6, G734-G745