The circadian clock regulates the diurnal levels of microbial short-chain fatty acids and their rhythmic effects on colon contractility in mice.

Diurnal microbial SCFA levels regulate the rhythm of Ffar3 expression in the colonic myenteric plexus, which causes rhythmicity in SCFA-induced colonic motility. Deletion of Bmal1 abolishes rhythmicity of SCFA levels and their downstream effects.