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Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development
Published on: April 29, 2015
Development and developmental disorders of the enteric nervous system
Florian Obermayr1, Ryo Hotta, Hideki Enomoto
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler Straße 3, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|December 12, 2012
Summary
Neural crest cells form the enteric nervous system (ENS), regulating gut functions. Recent research clarifies ENS development, migratory pathways, and links to Hirschsprung disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) is crucial for regulating gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and blood flow.
- ENS development originates from neural crest-derived cells colonizing the developing gut.
- Understanding ENS development is key to addressing congenital enteric neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements (past 5 years) in understanding enteric nervous system (ENS) development.
- To highlight the migratory pathways and cellular interactions involved in ENS formation.
- To discuss the genetic basis of ENS development and its link to Hirschsprung disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on ENS development.
- Analysis of animal models to elucidate signalling pathways.
- Examination of genetic evidence linking ENS development to Hirschsprung disease.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of neural crest cell migration routes within the gut.
- Emphasis on the critical roles of cell-cell interactions and signalling pathways (e.g., proliferation, migration) in ENS formation.
- Identification of genes involved in ENS development and their association with Hirschsprung disease.
Conclusions:
- Recent progress has significantly advanced our understanding of ENS development.
- Disruptions in ENS development are implicated in Hirschsprung disease and potentially other pediatric motility disorders.
- Further research into ENS development pathways offers therapeutic insights for enteric neuropathies.
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