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Interstitial cells of Cajal: update on basic and clinical science
1Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, HSC-3N8, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8N 3Z5, huizinga@mcmaster.ca.
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|January 11, 2014
Summary
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks are crucial for gut motility. Research highlights their role in motor patterns, innervation, and conditions like constipation and gastroparesis, paving the way for new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Physiology
- Cell Biology
- Neurogastroenterology
Background:
- Growing scientific and clinical interest in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks.
- ICC are essential for gastrointestinal (GI) motor patterns and function.
- Recent research (2010-2013) has significantly advanced understanding of ICC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding ICC networks.
- To highlight the role of ICC in GI motility, innervation, and disease.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets related to ICC.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution gastrointestinal manometry.
- Spatiotemporal mapping of GI motor patterns.
- Characterization of PDGFRα+ cells and their role in ICC networks.
- Electrophysiological and mechanical studies in disease models.
Main Results:
- New insights into myogenic and neurogenic origins of motor patterns and ICC function.
- Emerging evidence for PDGFRα+ cells in ICC pacemaker networks and muscle innervation.
- Association of ICC loss/injury with chronic constipation, stimulating repair research.
- Elucidation of ICC and pacemaker system roles in gastroparesis pathophysiology.
Conclusions:
- ICC and PDGFRα+ cells play critical roles in GI motility and innervation.
- ICC dysfunction is implicated in chronic constipation and gastroparesis.
- Discovery of ICC-related receptors and ion channels offers potential for pharmacological interventions in gut motility disorders.
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