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Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

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The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Isolation of Enteric Glial Cells from the Submucosa and Lamina Propria of the Adult Mouse

Isolation of Enteric Glial Cells from the Submucosa and Lamina Propria of the Adult Mouse

Published on: August 15, 2018

Enteric glial hub cells coordinate intestinal motility.

Marissa A Scavuzzo¹, Katherine C Letai¹, Yuka Maeno-Hikichi¹

¹Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology

|June 19, 2023

Summary

Enteric glial cells, the most abundant cells in the gut nervous system, were classified by their molecular subtypes. A specific subtype, "hub cells," controls intestinal motility and gastric emptying via the PIEZO2 channel.

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Last Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Isolation of Enteric Glial Cells from the Submucosa and Lamina Propria of the Adult Mouse

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Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM

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Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gastroenterology
Cell Biology

Background:

Enteric glia are the primary cell type in the enteric nervous system, but their diverse roles in gastrointestinal function remain poorly understood.
Classifying enteric glial subtypes is crucial for understanding gut physiology and disease.

Approach:

Utilized an optimized single nucleus RNA-sequencing technique to identify distinct molecular classes of enteric glia.
Characterized the morphological and spatial diversity of these identified glial subtypes.
Investigated the function of a specific enteric glial subtype,

Key Points:

Identified novel molecular subtypes of enteric glia, revealing significant morphological and spatial heterogeneity.
Discovered a specialized enteric glial subtype, termed

Conclusions:

Enteric glial cells exhibit functional specialization, with