# Mechanics of serotonin-producing human entero-endocrine cells

## TL;DR

This study explores the mechanical properties of human serotonin-producing gut cells using advanced techniques and organoids.

## Contribution

The first single-cell mechanical characterization of human enteroendocrine cells using optical tweezers and organoids.

## Key findings

- Human enteroendocrine cells exhibit specific stiffness profiles at physiological temperatures.
- Tryptophan metabolism inhibition alters the mechanical properties of these cells.
- Organoids derived from adult stem cells offer a viable model for studying rare gut 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.