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Schwann Cells in Digestive System Disorders.

Karina Goluba1, Liga Kunrade1, Una Riekstina1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, House of Science, Jelgavas Str. 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia.

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|March 10, 2022
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Summary

This review explores Schwann cells (SCs), the glial cells of the digestive system's extrinsic nerves. SCs play diverse roles in digestive health, particularly in cancer and pain, with potential in regenerative medicine.

Keywords:
Schwann cellscancerdigestive systeminnervationneural crestpancreas

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Digestive system function relies on the central and peripheral nervous systems (PNS).
  • Peripheral innervation includes intrinsic (enteric nervous system - ENS) and extrinsic (sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory nerves) components.
  • Glial cells are vital for digestive tract innervation, with ENS glia extensively studied in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions of Schwann cells (SCs), the glial cells of the digestive system's extrinsic innervation.
  • To provide context on digestive organ innervation in disease.
  • To highlight diverse SC roles, particularly in the mouth, pancreas, and intestine.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Schwann cells in digestive system innervation.
  • Synthesis of existing research on SCs in relation to digestive organ function and disorders.
  • Analysis of evidence concerning SCs in cancer, pain, and regenerative medicine.

Main Results:

  • Schwann cells exhibit diverse functions in the digestive tract, notably in the mouth, pancreas, and intestine.
  • Significant research implicates SCs in digestive cancer progression and pain mechanisms.
  • Emerging evidence suggests SCs possess stem cell properties, indicating potential for regenerative medicine.

Conclusions:

  • Schwann cells are critical glial components of the digestive system's extrinsic nervous system.
  • SCs are involved in key pathological processes like cancer and pain within digestive organs.
  • Further research into SCs may unlock novel therapeutic strategies for digestive diseases and regeneration.