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Pan W, Rahman AA, Ohkura T, Stavely R, Ohishi K, Han CY, Leavitt A, Kashiwagi A, Burns AJ, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Autologous cell transplantation for treatment of colorectal aganglionosis in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2479. [PMID: 38509106 PMCID: PMC10954649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases cause significant morbidity and effective treatments are lacking. This study aimes to test the feasibility of transplanting autologous enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) to rescue the enteric nervous system (ENS) in a model of colonic aganglionosis. ENSCs are isolated from a segment of small intestine from Wnt1::Cre;R26iDTR mice in which focal colonic aganglionosis is simultaneously created by diphtheria toxin injection. Autologous ENSCs are isolated, expanded, labeled with lentiviral-GFP, and transplanted into the aganglionic segment in vivo. ENSCs differentiate into neurons and glia, cluster to form neo-ganglia, and restore colonic contractile activity as shown by electrical field stimulation and optogenetics. Using a non-lethal model of colonic aganglionosis, our results demonstrate the potential of autologous ENSC therapy to improve functional outcomes in neurointestinal disease, laying the groundwork for clinical application of this regenerative cell-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The second affiliated hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kensuke Ohishi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Christopher Y Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail Leavitt
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aki Kashiwagi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan J Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Sunardi M, Cirillo C. Mini-review: "Enteric glia functions in nervous tissue repair: Therapeutic target or tool?". Neurosci Lett 2023; 812:137360. [PMID: 37393007 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In the body, nerve tissue is not only present in the central nervous system, but also in the periphery. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a highly organized intrinsic network of neurons and glial cells grouped to form interconnected ganglia. Glial cells in the ENS are a fascinating cell population: their neurotrophic role is well established, as well as their plasticity in specific circumstances. Gene expression profiling studies indicate that ENS glia retain neurogenic potential. The identification of neurogenic glial subtype(s) and the molecular basis of glia-derived neurogenesis may have profound biological and clinical implications. In this review, we discuss the potential of using gene-editing for ENS glia and cell transplantation as therapies for enteric neuropathies. Glia in the ENS: target or tool for nerve tissue repair?
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhamad Sunardi
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration (NDR), Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Carla Cirillo
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration (NDR), Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan; Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Toulouse University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
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Kuwahara T, Yasui Y, Yoshizaki H, Morikawa M, Kohno M, Okajima H. Recipient colon preoperative treatment with type I collagenase and fibronectin promotes the growth of transplanted enteric neural crest cells into Auerbach's plexus. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:1793-1798. [PMID: 36098794 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05224-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cell-based therapy is a potential treatment option for neurointestinal diseases by serving as a source of neural progenitor cells to replace missing or abnormal enteric neurons. Using an ex vivo transplantation model, we recently demonstrated that treatment with collagenase and fibronectin promotes infiltration of transplanted enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) toward the colon lumen. The aim of this study was to determine whether this new method also promotes colonization of transplanted ENCCs in vivo. METHODS Collagenase was applied locally on the anti-mesenteric area of the recipient colon using filter paper, followed by fibronectin. Neurospheres were generated from ENCCs isolated from fetal mouse intestines and transplanted into the collagenase and fibronectin-treated colon. Engraftment of neurospheres was confirmed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Neurospheres transplanted onto PBS- or fibronectin-treated colons were not observed to infiltrate to the muscle layer. However, when used in combination with type I collagenase and fibronectin in the recipient colon, transplanted neurospheres reached Auerbach's plexus. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that transplanted neurospheres grow into Auerbach's plexus in the recipient colon pretreated with collagenase and fibronectin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Kuwahara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Yasui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Yoshizaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.
| | - Mari Morikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kohno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hideaki Okajima
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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4
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Enteric neurosphere cells injected into rectal submucosa might migrate caudorostrally to reconstitute enteric ganglia along the entire length of postnatal colon. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:498. [PMID: 36210457 PMCID: PMC9549611 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background In enteric neural stem cell (ENSC) therapy for enteric neuropathy, the gut is ostensibly accessible via laparotomy, laparoscopy or endoscopy, whereas its elongated configuration and multilayered structures substantially complicate the targeting of ENSC delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of ENSC delivery via trans-anal rectal submucosal injection. Methods ENSC transplantation was conducted in an immunologically compatible model of FVB/NCrl-Tg(Pgk1-EGFP)01Narl into FVB/N murine strain combination. Enteric neurospheres were mass-produced by the cultivation of dispersed enterocytes harvested from gestational day 14 FVB/NCrl-Tg(Pgk1-EGFP)01Narl murine fetuses. Dissociated neurosphere cells were injected into rectal submucosa of adult FVB/N mice after artificial prolapse of rectal mucosa. Ganglion reconstitution in recipients’ colon was examined by immunohistochemcal and immunofluorescence staining. Results Cell spreading and ganglion assembly in recipients’ colorectum were examined one week after transplantation. Donor ENSCs migrated rostrally within the colonic wall to intermuscularly repopulate the neighboring colorectum and assemble myenteric ganglia. It contributed to a chimeric state of myenteric plexuses with donor-origin ganglia of 41.2–67.5%. Two months later, transplanted ENSCs had undergone long-distance caudorostral migration almost up to the cecum to reconstitute myenteric and submucosal ganglia along the entire length of the colon. Conclusion This proof-of-principle study provided a viable justification for minimally invasive rectal ENSC transplantation to create long-term and long-range reconstitution of enteric ganglia. It opens up the new approach to ENSC delivery in laboratory animals and casts light on the feasibility of replacing damaged or replenishing missing enteric neurons by trans-anal rectal ENSC transplantation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03187-2.
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Collier CA, Mendiondo C, Raghavan S. Tissue engineering of the gastrointestinal tract: the historic path to translation. J Biol Eng 2022; 16:9. [PMID: 35379299 PMCID: PMC8981633 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-022-00289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is imperative for multiple functions including digestion, nutrient absorption, and timely waste disposal. The central feature of the gut is peristalsis, intestinal motility, which facilitates all of its functions. Disruptions in GI motility lead to sub-optimal GI function, resulting in a lower quality of life in many functional GI disorders. Over the last two decades, tissue engineering research directed towards the intestine has progressed rapidly due to advances in cell and stem-cell biology, integrative physiology, bioengineering and biomaterials. Newer biomedical tools (including optical tools, machine learning, and nuanced regenerative engineering approaches) have expanded our understanding of the complex cellular communication within the GI tract that lead to its orchestrated physiological function. Bioengineering therefore can be utilized towards several translational aspects: (i) regenerative medicine to remedy/restore GI physiological function; (ii) in vitro model building to mimic the complex physiology for drug and pharmacology testing; (iii) tool development to continue to unravel multi-cell communication networks to integrate cell and organ-level physiology. Despite the significant strides made historically in GI tissue engineering, fundamental challenges remain including the quest for identifying autologous human cell sources, enhanced scaffolding biomaterials to increase biocompatibility while matching viscoelastic properties of the underlying tissue, and overall biomanufacturing. This review provides historic perspectives for how bioengineering has advanced over time, highlights newer advances in bioengineering strategies, and provides a realistic perspective on the path to translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Collier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Christian Mendiondo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA. .,Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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Yasui Y, Yoshizaki H, Kuwahara T, Nishida S, Kohno M, Okajima H. Transplanted neural crest cells migrate toward Auerbach's plexus layer instead of the colon surface in recipient colon pretreated with collagenase and fibronectin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 601:116-122. [PMID: 35245740 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.02.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and absorption. Developmental ENS dysplasia causes intestinal ganglion dysfunction, including Hirschsprung's disease. Given their potential ability to replenish insufficient neurons, transplantation of enteric neural cells provides the prospect of a cure. In this study, we used an ex vivo mouse colon transplant model to demonstrate that treatment with collagenase and fibronectin altered the migration of transplanted cells from the direction of the colon surface toward the lumen. Collagenase-treated colons exhibited enhanced expression of type III and VI collagens, which inhibited fibronectin-induced enteric neural crest cell (ENCC) migration. Invasion of neurospheres into colon was dependent on preoperative treatment of recipient colon with collagenase and fibronectin, which enhanced neurosphere motility towards the direction of colon lumen. Infiltration of transplanted ENCCs into the colon increased proportionally to the degree of dedifferentiation of surrounding smooth muscle cells, which was induced in a neurosphere-dependent manner in collagenase-treated colon. Furthermore, induction of GDNF expression, a Ret ligand that promotes enteric neural cell migration, was observed in treated colons. Our results suggest that the environment provided by the extracellular matrix of the colon surface affects the direction of transplanted ENCC migration. Moreover, these findings demonstrating that ENCCs can be accepted by the recipient colon will help to refine current strategies for cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitomo Yasui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Yoshizaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Kuwahara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Shoichi Nishida
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kohno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hideaki Okajima
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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Kawaguchi AL, Guner YS, Sømme S, Quesenberry AC, Arthur LG, Sola JE, Downard CD, Rentea RM, Valusek PA, Smith CA, Slidell MB, Ricca RL, Dasgupta R, Renaud E, Miniati D, McAteer J, Beres AL, Grabowski J, Peter SDS, Gosain A. Management and outcomes for long-segment Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review from the APSA Outcomes and Evidence Based Practice Committee. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1513-1523. [PMID: 33993978 PMCID: PMC8552809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Long-Segment Hirschsprung Disease (LSHD) differs clinically from short-segment disease. This review article critically appraises current literature on the definition, management, outcomes, and novel therapies for patients with LSHD. METHODS Four questions regarding the definition, management, and outcomes of patients with LSHD were generated. English-language articles published between 1990 and 2018 were compiled by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A qualitative synthesis was performed. RESULTS 66 manuscripts were included in this systematic review. Standardized nomenclature and preoperative evaluation for LSHD are recommended. Insufficient evidence exists to recommend a single method for the surgical repair of LSHD. Patients with LSHD may have increased long-term gastrointestinal symptoms, including Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), but have a quality of life similar to matched controls. There are few surgical technical innovations focused on this disorder. CONCLUSIONS A standardized definition of LSHD is recommended that emphasizes the precise anatomic location of aganglionosis. Prospective studies comparing operative options and long-term outcomes are needed. Translational approaches, such as stem cell therapy, may be promising in the future for the treatment of long-segment Hirschsprung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akemi L Kawaguchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yigit S Guner
- Department of Surgery University of California Irvine and Division of Pediatric Surgery Children's Hospital of Orange County, USA
| | - Stig Sømme
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - L Grier Arthur
- Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Minimally Invasive Surgery, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Juan E Sola
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cynthia D Downard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Hiram C. Polk, Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rebecca M Rentea
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Patricia A Valusek
- Pediatric Surgical Associates, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Caitlin A Smith
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark B Slidell
- Section of Pediatric Surgery, Comer Children's Hospital, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert L Ricca
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Roshni Dasgupta
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Childrens Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Renaud
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Doug Miniati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Roseville Women and Children's Center, Roseville, California, USA
| | | | - Alana L Beres
- Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento CA, USA
| | - Julia Grabowski
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL long, USA
| | - Shawn D St Peter
- Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ankush Gosain
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Gogolou A, Frith TJR, Tsakiridis A. Generating Enteric Nervous System Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e137. [PMID: 34102038 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is comprised of enteric neurons and glia, which are buried within the wall of the bowel and organized into two concentric plexuses that run along the length of the gut forming the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS regulates vital GI functions including gut motility, blood flow, fluid secretion, and absorption and thus maintains gut homeostasis. During vertebrate development it originates predominantly from the vagal neural crest (NC), a multipotent cell population that emerges from the caudal hindbrain region, migrates to and within the gut to ultimately generate neurons and glia in response to gut-derived signals. Loss of GI innervation due to congenital or acquired defects in ENS development causes enteric neuropathies which lack curative treatment. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer a promising in vitro source of enteric neurons for modeling human ENS development and pathology and potential use in cell therapy applications. Here we describe in detail a differentiation strategy for the derivation of enteric neural progenitors and neurons from hPSCs through a vagal NC intermediate. Using a combination of instructive signals and retinoic acid in a dose/time dependent manner, vagal NC cells commit into the ENS lineage and develop into enteric neurons and glia upon culture in neurotrophic media. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of vagal neural crest/early ENS progenitors from hPSCs Basic Protocol 2: Differentiation of hPSC-derived vagal NC/early ENS progenitors to enteric neurons and glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antigoni Gogolou
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anestis Tsakiridis
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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May-Zhang AA, Tycksen E, Southard-Smith AN, Deal KK, Benthal JT, Buehler DP, Adam M, Simmons AJ, Monaghan JR, Matlock BK, Flaherty DK, Potter SS, Lau KS, Southard-Smith EM. Combinatorial Transcriptional Profiling of Mouse and Human Enteric Neurons Identifies Shared and Disparate Subtypes In Situ. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:755-770.e26. [PMID: 33010250 PMCID: PMC7878294 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The enteric nervous system (ENS) coordinates essential intestinal functions through the concerted action of diverse enteric neurons (ENs). However, integrated molecular knowledge of EN subtypes is lacking. To compare human and mouse ENs, we transcriptionally profiled healthy ENS from adult humans and mice. We aimed to identify transcripts marking discrete neuron subtypes and visualize conserved EN subtypes for humans and mice in multiple bowel regions. METHODS Human myenteric ganglia and adjacent smooth muscle were isolated by laser-capture microdissection for RNA sequencing. Ganglia-specific transcriptional profiles were identified by computationally subtracting muscle gene signatures. Nuclei from mouse myenteric neurons were isolated and subjected to single-nucleus RNA sequencing, totaling more than 4 billion reads and 25,208 neurons. Neuronal subtypes were defined using mouse single-nucleus RNA sequencing data. Comparative informatics between human and mouse data sets identified shared EN subtype markers, which were visualized in situ using hybridization chain reaction. RESULTS Several EN subtypes in the duodenum, ileum, and colon are conserved between humans and mice based on orthologous gene expression. However, some EN subtype-specific genes from mice are expressed in completely distinct morphologically defined subtypes in humans. In mice, we identified several neuronal subtypes that stably express gene modules across all intestinal segments, with graded, regional expression of 1 or more marker genes. CONCLUSIONS Our combined transcriptional profiling of human myenteric ganglia and mouse EN provides a rich foundation for developing novel intestinal therapeutics. There is congruency among some EN subtypes, but we note multiple species differences that should be carefully considered when relating findings from mouse ENS research to human gastrointestinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A May-Zhang
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, McDonnell Genome Institute, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Austin N Southard-Smith
- Epithelial Biology Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Karen K Deal
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joseph T Benthal
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Dennis P Buehler
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mike Adam
- University of Cincinnati Children's Medical Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alan J Simmons
- Epithelial Biology Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James R Monaghan
- Northeastern University, Department of Biology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brittany K Matlock
- Office of Shared Resources, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David K Flaherty
- Office of Shared Resources, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - S Steven Potter
- University of Cincinnati Children's Medical Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
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10
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Tian DH, Qin CH, Xu WY, Pan WK, Zhao YY, Zheng BJ, Chen XL, Liu Y, Gao Y, Yu H. Phenotypic and functional comparison of rat enteric neural crest-derived cells during fetal and early-postnatal stages. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2310-2315. [PMID: 33818517 PMCID: PMC8354115 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we showed that with increasing time in culture, the growth characteristics of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs) change, and that the proliferation, migration and neural differentiation potential of these cells in vitro notably diminish. However, there are no studies on the developmental differences in these characteristics between fetal and early-postnatal stages in vitro or in vivo. In this study, we isolated fetal (embryonic day 14.5) and postnatal (postnatal day 2) ENCCs from the intestines of rats. Fetal ENCCs had greater maximum cross-sectional area of the neurospheres, stronger migration ability, and reduced apoptosis, compared with postnatal ENCCs. However, fetal and postnatal ENCCs had a similar differentiation ability. Fetal and postnatal ENCCs both survived after transplant into a rat model of Hirschsprung's disease. In these rats with Hirschsprung's disease, the number of ganglionic cells in the myenteric plexus was higher and the distal intestinal pressure change was greater in animals treated with fetal ENCCs compared with those treated with postnatal ENCCs. These findings suggest that, compared with postnatal ENCCs, fetal ENCCs exhibit higher survival and proliferation and migration abilities, and are therefore a more appropriate seed cell for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (approval No. 2016086) on March 3, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hao Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Qin
- Department of Anorectal, Suizhou Central Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wen-Yao Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wei-Kang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Ying Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bai-Jun Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xin-Lin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital; Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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11
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Fu M, Barlow-Anacker AJ, Kuruvilla KP, Bowlin GL, Seidel CW, Trainor PA, Gosain A. 37/67-laminin receptor facilitates neural crest cell migration during enteric nervous system development. FASEB J 2020; 34:10931-10947. [PMID: 32592286 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000699r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Enteric nervous system (ENS) development is governed by interactions between neural crest cells (NCC) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) results from incomplete NCC migration and failure to form an appropriate ENS. Prior studies implicate abnormal ECM in NCC migration failure. We performed a comparative microarray of the embryonic distal hindgut of wild-type and EdnrBNCC-/- mice that model HSCR and identified laminin-β1 as upregulated in EdnrBNCC-/- colon. We identified decreased expression of 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LAMR), which binds laminin-β1, in human HSCR myenteric plexus and EdnrBNCC-/- NCC. Using a combination of in vitro gut slice cultures and ex vivo organ cultures, we determined the mechanistic role of LAMR in NCC migration. We found that enteric NCC express LAMR, which is downregulated in human and murine HSCR. Binding of LAMR by the laminin-β1 analog YIGSR promotes NCC migration. Silencing of LAMR abrogated these effects. Finally, applying YIGSR to E13.5 EdnrBNCC-/- colon explants resulted in 80%-100% colonization of the hindgut. This study adds LAMR to the large list of receptors through which NCC interact with their environment during ENS development. These results should be used to inform ongoing integrative, regenerative medicine approaches to HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Fu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Amanda J Barlow-Anacker
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Korah P Kuruvilla
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gary L Bowlin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ankush Gosain
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA.,Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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12
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Abstract
AbstractThe gut’s own autonomous nervous system, the enteric nervous system (ENS), has fascinated scientists for more than 100 years. It functions, in the true sense of the word, autonomously, by performing complex tasks and controlling vital functions independently of extrinsic inputs. At the same time, the ENS is bombarded with signals from other cells in the gut wall and lumen and has to integrate all of these inputs. We describe the main functions of the ENS under physiological conditions and give a few examples of its role in gut diseases. The ENS has received increasing attention recently as scientists outside the field of Neurogastroenterology realize its important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s, autism and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Annahazi
- Human BiologyTechnical University of MunichLiesel-Beckmann Strasse 4, 85354 Freising-WeihenstephanFreising-WeihenstephanGermany
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13
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Bhave S, Arciero E, Baker C, Ho WL, Stavely R, Goldstein AM, Hotta R. Enteric neuronal cell therapy reverses architectural changes in a novel diphtheria toxin-mediated model of colonic aganglionosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18756. [PMID: 31822721 PMCID: PMC6904570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55128-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by absence of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the distal bowel. Despite removal of the aganglionic segment, gastrointestinal (GI) problems persist. Cell therapy offers potential treatment but use of genetic models is limited by their poor survival. We have developed a novel model of aganglionosis in which enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs) express diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor. Local DT injection into the colon wall results in focal, specific, and sustained ENS ablation without altering GI transit or colonic contractility, allowing improved survival over other aganglionosis models. Focal ENS ablation leads to increased smooth muscle and mucosal thickness, and localized inflammation. Transplantation of ENCDCs into this region leads to engraftment, migration, and differentiation of enteric neurons and glial cells, with restoration of normal architecture of the colonic epithelium and muscle, reduction in inflammation, and improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Arciero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corey Baker
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wing Lam Ho
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Wnt Receptor Frizzled-4 as a Marker for Isolation of Enteric Neural Progenitors in Human Children. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080792. [PMID: 31366044 PMCID: PMC6721585 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification and isolation of neural progenitor cells from the human enteric nervous system (ENS) is currently hampered by the lack of reliable, specific markers. Here, we define the Wnt-receptor frizzled-4 as a marker for the isolation of enteric neural progenitor cells derived from paediatric gut samples. We show that the Wnt-receptor frizzled-4 is expressed in the human colon and in Tunica muscularis-derived enterospheres. To obtain a purified culture, we carried out fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using PE-conjugated frizzled-4 antibodies. Frizzled-4positive cells gave rise to neurosphere-like bodies and ultimately differentiated into neurons as revealed by BrdU-proliferation assays and immunocytochemistry, whereas in frizzled-4negative cultures we did not detect any neuronal and glial cells. By using a patch-clamp approach, we also demonstrated the expression of functional sodium and potassium channels in frizzled-4positive cell cultures after differentiation in vitro.
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15
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Simkin JE, Zhang D, Stamp LA, Newgreen DF. Fine scale differences within the vagal neural crest for enteric nervous system formation. Dev Biol 2019; 446:22-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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16
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Zhang D, Rollo BN, Nagy N, Stamp L, Newgreen DF. The enteric neural crest progressively loses capacity to form enteric nervous system. Dev Biol 2018; 446:34-42. [PMID: 30529057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the vagal neural crest (NC) form most of the enteric nervous system (ENS) by a colonising wave in the embryonic gut, with high cell proliferation and differentiation. Enteric neuropathies have an ENS deficit and cell replacement has been suggested as therapy. This would be performed post-natally, which raises the question of whether the ENS cell population retains its initial ENS-forming potential with age. We tested this on the avian model in organ culture in vitro (3 days) using recipient aneural chick midgut/hindgut combined with ENS-donor quail midgut or hindgut of ages QE5 to QE10. ENS cells from young donor tissues (≤ QE6) avidly colonised the aneural recipient, but this capacity dropped rapidly 2-3 days after the transit of the ENS cell wavefront. This loss in capability was autonomous to the ENS population since a similar decline was observed in ENS cells isolated by HNK1 FACS. Using QE5, 6, 8 and 10 midgut donors and extending the time of assay to 8 days in chorio-allantoic membrane grafts did not produce 'catch up' colonisation. NC-derived cells were counted in dissociated quail embryo gut and in transverse sections of chick embryo gut using NC, neuron and glial marker antibodies. This showed that the decline in ENS-forming ability correlated with a decrease in proportion of ENS cells lacking both neuronal and glial differentiation markers, but there were still large numbers of such cells even at stages with low colonisation ability. Moreover, ENS cells in small numbers from young donors were far superior in colonisation ability to larger numbers of apparently undifferentiated cells from older donors. This suggests that the decline of ENS-forming ability has both quantitative and qualitative aspects. In this case, ENS cells for cell therapies should aim to replicate the embryonic ENS stage rather than using post-natal ENS stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongcheng Zhang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin N Rollo
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Lincon Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Donald F Newgreen
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
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17
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Jevans B, McCann CJ, Thapar N, Burns AJ. Transplanted enteric neural stem cells integrate within the developing chick spinal cord: implications for spinal cord repair. J Anat 2018; 233:592-606. [PMID: 30191559 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes paralysis, multisystem impairment and reduced life expectancy, as yet with no cure. Stem cell therapy can potentially replace lost neurons, promote axonal regeneration and limit scar formation, but an optimal stem cell source has yet to be found. Enteric neural stem cells (ENSC) isolated from the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are an attractive source. Here, we used the chick embryo to assess the potential of ENSC to integrate within the developing spinal cord. In vitro, isolated ENSC formed extensive cell connections when co-cultured with spinal cord (SC)-derived cells. Further, qRT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of TuJ1+ neurons, S100+ glia and Sox10+ stem cells within ENSC neurospheres, as well as expression of key neuronal subtype genes, at levels comparable to SC tissue. Following ENSC transplantation to an ablated region of chick embryo SC, donor neurons were found up to 12 days later. These neurons formed bridging connections within the SC injury zone, aligned along the anterior/posterior axis, and were immunopositive for TuJ1. These data provide early proof of principle support for the use of ENSCs for SCI, and encourage further research into their potential for repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jevans
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Conor J McCann
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Cambridge, MA, USA
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18
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Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract contains its own set of intrinsic neuroglial circuits - the enteric nervous system (ENS) - which detects and responds to diverse signals from the environment. Here, we address recent advances in the understanding of ENS development, including how neural-crest-derived progenitors migrate into and colonize the bowel, the formation of ganglionated plexuses and the molecular mechanisms of enteric neuronal and glial diversification. Modern lineage tracing and transcription-profiling technologies have produced observations that simultaneously challenge and affirm long-held beliefs about ENS development. We review many genetic and environmental factors that can alter ENS development and exert long-lasting effects on gastrointestinal function, and discuss how developmental defects in the ENS might account for some of the large burden of digestive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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