Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
Published on: August 7, 2013
Genetics of human enteric neuropathies.
Emanuele Panza1, Charles H Knowles, Claudio Graziano
1Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Recent advances illuminate the molecular basis of enteric nervous system development and associated genetic disorders. This review focuses on clinical insights into enteric neuropathies, including Hirschsprung disease, aiding diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The enteric nervous system's development is complex, with molecular mechanisms recently elucidated.
- Aberrant genetic development leads to increasingly recognized enteric neuropathies.
- A gap exists in recent clinical reviews of these severe disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular pathogenesis of enteric neuropathies from a clinical viewpoint.
- To consolidate knowledge on disorders with infantile aganglionic Hirschsprung phenotype.
- To discuss conditions with less pronounced structural abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular pathogenesis.
- Clinical perspective integration.
- Analysis of genetic and developmental mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Significant advances in understanding molecular pathways of enteric nervous system development.
- Recognition of diverse enteric neuropathies linked to genetic aberrations.
- Identification of clinical implications for diagnosis and screening.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of molecular pathogenesis aids clinical management of enteric neuropathies.
- Implications for improved diagnosis, screening, and potential reparative strategies are presented.
- This review provides a timely clinical perspective on these disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Incomplete Dominance
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...
Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of the GI tract...

