Molecular genetics of colorectal motility disorders

In the last years, several genes have been identified which are involved in the development and differentiation of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Among the congenital intestinal innervation disorders described (aganglionosis, hypoganglionosis, heterotopic ganglia, intestinal neuronal dysplasia), up to now Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) has been linked to mutational defects in these genes. GDNF and its co-receptor RET are the genes with the most mitogene potency on precursor cells of the ENS. The endothelin system (EDNRB/EDN3) also plays a key role in the development of the ENS by preventing its premature differentiation. Our own studies could show that, whereas a homozygous mutation of EDNRB causes long-segment HSCR, a heterozygous EDNRB deficiency leads to alterations of the ENS resembling the histopathology observed in intestinal neuronal dysplasia. Modern molecular genetic technologies combined with a subtle phenotypic assessment of the ENS will allow investigators to identify other genes within the complex signalling cascade required for the formation of the ENS. The recognition that intestinal innervation disorders are, at least in part, a multigenetic disease should provide support for consequent genetic screening in these patients.