Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor: a new player for the enteric nervous system.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates gut function and plasticity via neural progenitor cells.
• Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) influences the central nervous system (CNS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of G-CSF in the enteric nervous system.
• To determine if G-CSF affects enteric neural progenitor cells.

Main Methods:

• G-CSF receptor presence on enteric neurons and progenitors was assessed.
• Mouse enteric nervous system (ENS)-derived neurospheres were cultured with varying G-CSF concentrations.
• Neurite outgrowth was measured in differentiated ENS and CNS neurospheres.

Main Results:

• G-CSF receptor is present on enteric neurons and progenitors.
• G-CSF increased the expansion of cultured mouse ENS-neurospheres.
• G-CSF enhanced neurite outgrowth in differentiated ENS and CNS neurospheres.

Conclusions:

• G-CSF influences enteric neural progenitor cell expansion and differentiation.
• G-CSF may be crucial for ENS regeneration and treating ENS disorders.