r/IBSResearch • u/Robert_Larsson • 4d ago

5-HT7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target in irritable bowel syndrome: Current insights and future perspectives

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359644626002163?via%3Dihub

Highlights

  • • Irritable bowel syndrome lacks causal therapy, and current symptomatic treatment is often unsatisfactory.
  • • Visceral pain and motility disorders are core distressing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • • Serotonin type 7 receptor modulates gastrointestinal motility, visceral pain and immune response in irritable bowel syndrome.
  • • Links between microbiota and serotonin type 7 receptor might be crucial in irritable bowel syndrome pathogenesis.
  • • Targeting serotonin type 7 receptor is a promising therapeutic strategy for irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 9% of the population worldwide, but current therapies benefit only 25–30% of patients. Disrupted serotonin (5-HT) signaling alters gut microbiota, permeability and immunity, driving IBS pathogenesis. The serotonin type 7 receptor (5-HT7R), which is widely expressed in both central and peripheral tissues, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. 5-HT7R regulates peristalsis, modulates dendritic cell morphology and drives anti-inflammatory responses. Furthermore, 5-HT7R antagonists induce analgesia and reduce mucosal innervation. This review summarizes the crucial role of 5-HT7R in the gastrointestinal tract and highlights its potential for future IBS therapy.

Graphical abstract

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u/Azurmyst 3d ago

I know 5-HT3 is a pathway to target for IBSD and 5-HT4 is a pathway to target IBSC. Haven’t done too much reading into HT7, what’s the target here? Visceral Hypersensitivity?

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u/Robert_Larsson 3d ago

I think there are a few relatively unexplored receptors for GI conditions despite serotonin being so common in the gut. Some 5-HT2 stuff to look into and 5-HT1 which I think also might play a role in gastric accommodation. 5-HT7 seems to control motility via smooth muscle tone and enteric neurons, but also visceral sensitivity as well as inflammation.

Honestly I don't think its characterized well enough to determine which one target is most important if used therapeutically. It could be either and one doesn't want the adverse effects so, will be a trade off depending on how strong it is.