Planar Cell Polarity Genes Guide Gut Neurons: Research

The "little brain" a.k.a the enteric nervous system (ENS) that resides within the gut wall is what governs motility, secretion, and blood flow in the human gastrointestinal tract. Failure of the ENS to develop normally leads to congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung Disease) while loss of normal gut innervation is thought to contribute to debilitating motility disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

In order to prevent and treat these conditions, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms that control the formation and function of the ENS. In this issue of the Journal of Clinial Investigation, Vassilis Pachnis and colleagues at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research in London found that the planar cell polarity (PCP) genes, Celsr3 and Fzd3 are required for the formation of the complex neural networks within the guts of mice. Inactivation of these genes resulted in disorganization of neuronal projections, slower gut transit time and abnormal colonic motility, indicating for the first time that improper ENS wiring contributes to gastrointestinal motility disorders. Future studies will be required to determine if mutations or dysfunction of these genes contributes to human gut motility disorders.

In Patients With Intestinal Failure, Prebiotic may Help Grow New and Better Gut
A new University of Illinois study has found that adding the right prebiotic to the diets of pediatric patients with intestinal failure could replace intravenous feeding.

Source-Eurekalert

Study Says Adult Gut can Generate New Neurons
New mouse research in the August 5 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience suggests that the adult lower digestive tract can be stimulated to add neurons to the intestinal system.

Immune Response in the Gut Destroyed Within Days of HIV-1 Infection
HIV-1 virus moves rapidly in the body, and damages the B-cell antibody-producing system in the gut, within days of infection, according to new research.

Study Says Building Sand Castles can Inflict You With Gut Bugs
Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Environmental Protection Agency have said that digging into sand may be an invitation to gut bugs.