Mechanics of serotonin-producing human entero-endocrine cells

Abstract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract's primary role is food digestion, relying on coordinated fluid secretion and bowel movements triggered by mechanosensation. Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized mechanosensitive cells that convert mechanical forces into electrochemical signals, culminating in serotonin release to regulate GI motility. Despite their pivotal role, knowledge of EEC mechanical properties has been lacking due to their rarity and limited accessibility. In this brief report, we present the first single-cell mechanical characterization of human ECCs isolated from healthy intestinal organoids. Using single-cell optical tweezers, we measured EEC stiffness profiles at the physiological temperature and investigated changes following tryptophan metabolism inhibition. Our findings not only shed light on EEC mechanics but also highlight the potential of adult stem cell-derived organoids for studying these elusive cells.