Article
Cell Biology
Patricia Rocha Martins, Josiane Fakhry, Adriana Jacauna de Oliveira, Thayse Batista Moreira, Linda J. Fothergill, Enio Chaves de Oliveira, Debora d'Avila Reis, John B. Furness
Summary: Chagas disease is caused by a parasite that leads to chronic cardiac and digestive dysfunction, with megacolon being a main feature of the gastrointestinal form. This study found differences in the expression of EEC in patients with Chagas disease compared to controls, with increased numbers of GLP-1 and SST expressing EEC in the dilated portion of megacolon, suggesting potential implications for motility and defense disorders.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Moritz Middelhoff, Giovanni Valenti, Lorenzo Tomassoni, Yosuke Ochiai, Bryana Belin, Ryota Takahashi, Ermanno Malagola, Henrik Nienhueser, Michael Finlayson, Yoku Hayakawa, Leah B. Zamechek, Bernhard W. Renz, C. Benedikt Westphalen, Michael Quante, Kara G. Margolis, Peter A. Sims, Pasquale Laise, Andrea Califano, Meenakshi Rao, Michael D. Gershon, Timothy C. Wang
Summary: The study identified different DCLK1-positive cell types in adult myenteric ganglia, which are resistant to acute injury but differ in their response to injury. Specifically, DCLK1-labeled glial-like cells showed significant transcriptional changes in response to injury and exhibited features resembling enteric neural precursor cells. These findings suggest the presence of reserve progenitor cells in the adult DCLK1 glial cell lineage, adding to the evidence of cellular plasticity in the adult enteric nervous system.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Manuel O. Jakob, Michael Kofoed-Branzk, Divija Deshpande, Shaira Murugan, Christoph S. N. Klose
Summary: The peripheral nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses through sensory and effector circuits. Neurons can directly respond to inflammatory signals and advancements in single-cell sequencing have allowed for a better understanding of distinct neuronal subsets. This neuro-immune interaction may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for a variety of diseases, including chronic inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tinh Thi Nguyen, Peter Baumann, Oliver Tuescher, Sandra Schick, Kristina Endres
Summary: The gut and the brain communicate through various channels and interactions, collectively known as the gut-brain axis. The aging of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the gut can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction and contribute to age-related diseases of the brain. Understanding the mechanisms of the aging ENS can provide insights into the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jean-Baptiste Cavin, Preedajit Wongkrasant, Joel B. Glover, Onesmo B. Balemba, Wallace K. MacNaughton, Keith A. Sharkey
Summary: The enteric nervous system regulates the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and its response to changes in the gut lumen is not well understood. This study used live-cell confocal recordings to investigate neuronal response to luminal mechanical and chemical stimuli. The results show that intestinal distension regulates the excitability of enteric neural circuits via mechanosensitive channels, and the content of the intestinal lumen dynamically regulates the excitability of enteric neural circuits.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kristin Elfers, Laura Menne, Luca Colnaghi, Susanne Hoppe, Gemma Mazzuoli-Weber
Summary: Cocaine, one of the most popular illegal drugs among young adults in the European Union, has various negative effects on both physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cocaine on enteric neuronal functions and found that cocaine not only affects the central nervous system but also alters the enteric neuronal functions, providing possible explanations for the coexistence of cocaine abuse and gastrointestinal complaints.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madushani Herath, Ellie Cho, Ulrika Marklund, Ashley E. Franks, Joel C. Bornstein, Elisa L. Hill-Yardin
Summary: Mutations in the Nlgn3 gene are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. This study characterizes the expression of Nlgn3 in the enteric nervous system using RNA in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. The results show that Nlgn3 mRNA is expressed in cholinergic and VIP-expressing submucosal neurons, nitrergic and calretinin-containing myenteric neurons, and glial cells. The autism-associated R451C mutation reduces Nlgn3 mRNA expression in cholinergic submucosal neurons and certain myenteric neurons and glial cells. These findings contribute to the understanding of the role of Nlgn3 in GI dysfunction in ASD.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Mayra F. Ricci, Samantha R. Bela, Joana L. Barbosa, Michele M. Moraes, Ana L. Mazzeti, Maria T. Bahia, Laila S. Horta, Helton da C. Santiago, Jader S. Cruz, Luciano dos S. A. Capettini, Rosa M. E. Arantes
Summary: This study investigated the effect of T. cruzi-induced progressive colonic structural changes on colonic contractile pattern activity. The results showed impaired intestinal motility and cholinergic system response in Chagasic megacolon.
JOURNAL OF NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nathalie Vaes, Simone L. Schonkeren, Glenn Rademakers, Amy M. Holland, Alexander Koch, Marion J. Gijbels, Tom G. Keulers, Meike de Wit, Laura Moonen, Jaleesa R. M. Van der Meer, Edith van den Boezem, Tim G. A. M. Wolfs, David W. Threadgill, Jeroen Demmers, Remond J. A. Fijneman, Connie R. Jimenez, Pieter Vanden Berghe, Kim M. Smits, Kasper M. A. Rouschop, Werend Boesmans, Robert M. W. Hofstra, Veerle Melotte
Summary: The absence of Ndrg4 does not cause functional or morphological abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, but it is associated with larger intestinal adenoma development. ENS-derived Nidogen-1 and Fibulin-2 enhance colorectal carcinogenesis by boosting organoid growth and promoting migration capacities of CRC cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Atchariya Chanpong, Osvaldo Borrelli, Nikhil Thapar
Summary: The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a critical nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract that controls key functions and is affected by the microbiota and other nervous systems. Its development during early life plays a significant role in human health and disease. Dysbiosis and pathogenic microorganisms may impact the integrity and function of the ENS. This article explores the relationship between the development and integrity of the ENS and the potential impact of dysbiosis and pathogenic microorganisms.
Review
Physiology
Keith A. Sharkey, Gary M. Mawe
Summary: The gastrointestinal tract is the most complex organ system in the body, controlling digestion and defense functions through the enteric nervous system. This system interacts with the immune system, gut microbiota, and epithelium to maintain mucosal defense and barrier function. Recent developments have improved our understanding of the molecular architecture, function, and regulation of the enteric nervous system, highlighting its importance in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sabine Heumuller-Klug, Kristina Maurer, Maria A. Tapia-Laliena, Carsten Sticht, Anne Christmann, Handan Moerz, Rasul Khasanov, Elvira Wink, Steven Schulte, Wolfgang Greffrath, Rolf-Detlef Treede, Lucas M. Wessel, Karl-Herbert Schaefer
Summary: Impairment of the nervous system is a major cause of mortality and disability, and congenital enteric dysganglionosis requires neural stem cell transplantation for treatment. This study investigates the impact of freezing and thawing protocols on enteric neural stem cell survival, protein and gene expression, and cell function. The results show that cryopreservation of enteric neural stem cells is possible with minimal changes to protein/gene expression patterns and without affecting neuronal function.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jose Rodrigues Neto, Arthur Wilson Florencio da Costa, Yarlla Loyane Lira Braga, Fernanda Helia Lucio, Ana Luisa Monteiro dos Santos Martins, Marlene Antonia dos Reis, Flavia Aparecida de Oliveira, Mara Rubia Nunes Celes, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Milton Adriano Pelli Oliveira, Juliana Reis Machado
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological changes caused by infection with the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi in acute and chronic phases. Results showed that the infection led to weight loss, intestinal inflammatory infiltrates, increased levels of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as elevated interleukin-10 in the early chronic phase.
MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Fatima B. Saldana-Morales, Dasom V. Kim, Ming-Ting Tsai, Gretchen E. Diehl
Summary: A coordinated response between the epithelium, immune system, and enteric nervous system is crucial for proper intestinal function during both health and disease. These systems work together to support digestion and recovery following injury or pathogenic infections by responding to common stimuli.
Article
Microbiology
Archie A. Khan, Harry C. Langston, Fernanda C. Costa, Francisco Olmo, Martin C. Taylor, Conor J. McCann, John M. Kelly, Michael D. Lewis
Summary: The study identified specific combinations of parasites and mice models that mimic symptoms of digestive Chagas disease in humans, particularly in the colon. By using genetically modified parasites, the research was able to track infection foci and nerve system lesions, highlighting the potential role of chronic infection and inflammation in the development of the disease.
Article
Cell Biology
Madeleine R. Di Natale, Billie Hunne, Jamie J. M. Liew, Linda J. Fothergill, Martin J. Stebbing, John B. Furness
Summary: We found that nitrergic neurons, which make up about 30% of myenteric neurons in the rat stomach, are distributed throughout all gastric regions, with small numbers occurring in submucosal ganglia. The stomach has approximately 125,000 neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neurons, which innervate the muscle layers and intramural arteries. Unlike in the intestine, gastric interneurons do not express nNOS. The dense innervation of the circular muscle and pyloric sphincter suggests a finely graded control of motor function in the stomach through the recruitment of different numbers of inhibitory motor neurons.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Madeleine R. Di Natale, Lauren Patten, Juan C. Molero, Martin J. Stebbing, Billie Hunne, Xiaokai Wang, Zhongming Liu, John B. Furness
Summary: This study provides a detailed description of the structure of rat gastric musculature and compares it with human gastric anatomy, highlighting some differences. The findings offer essential data for interpreting gastric movements.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mitchell Ty Ringuet, John Barton Furness, Sebastian George Barton Furness
Summary: GHSR1a is a receptor with diverse molecular interactions, playing key roles in GH release, food intake regulation, neurogenesis, learning and memory, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular system, neuronal protection, motivational salience, and hedonic feeding. Its interaction with various GPCRs suggests potential therapeutic mechanisms and physiological effects.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Camila Sales Nascimento, Erica Alessandra Rocha Alves, Celso Pinto de Melo, Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Calzavara-Silva
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy focuses on activating the patient's immune system against cancer, while interest in metabolic reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages has increased as a therapeutic strategy. Iron metabolism is a key in reprogramming macrophages to a tumor suppressor phenotype, with iron oxide nanoparticles emerging as a potential anti-tumor strategy.
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
John B. Furness
AUTONOMIC NEUROSCIENCE-BASIC & CLINICAL
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ada Koo, Ruslan Pustovit, Orla R. M. Woodward, Jo E. Lewis, Fiona M. Gribble, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, Frank Reimann, John B. Furness
Summary: The gastrointestinal hormone INSL5 stimulates the release of 5-HT from endocrine cells through the RXFP4 receptor, which in turn act on 5-HT3 receptors of enteric sensory neurons to elicit propulsive reflexes.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin J. Stebbing, Juan C. Molero, John B. Furness
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
W. Zhao, O. Artaiz, Y. Iqbal, H. H. Le, K. DiGiacomo, B. J. Leury, L. J. Fothergill, J. B. Furness, F. Liu, M. P. Green, B. J. Finger, M. Navarro, E. Roura, D. N. D'Souza, F. R. Dunshea, K. J. Plush, J. J. Cottrell
Summary: This experiment examined the impact of heat stress on late gestating sows and found that it caused farrowing complications and reduced piglet survival.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiaokai Wang, Jiayue Cao, Kuan Han, Minkyu Choi, Yushi She, Ulrich M. Scheven, Recep Avci, Peng Du, Leo K. Cheng, Madeleine R. Di Natale, John B. Furness, Zhongming Liu
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to characterize the motility of the stomach wall using MRI data. The approach models the deformation of the stomach wall as a continuous biomechanical process and accurately characterizes gastric motor events. Functional maps generated from the data reveal the spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of muscle activity. The proposed approach is expected to enable non-invasive and accurate mapping of gastric motility for preclinical and clinical studies.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jichao Ma, Anas Mistareehi, Jazune Madas, Andrew M. M. Kwiat, Kohlton Bendowski, Duyen Nguyen, Jin Chen, De-Pei Li, John B. Furness, Terry L. Powley, Zixi (Jack) Cheng
Summary: The study reveals the distribution and morphology of SP-IR axons and terminals in the whole stomach, providing an anatomical foundation for functional mapping of SP-IR axon innervation in the stomach and its pathological remodeling in gastrointestinal diseases.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Madeleine R. R. Di Natale, Omkar N. N. Athavale, Xiaokai Wang, Peng Du, Leo K. K. Cheng, Zhongming Liu, John B. B. Furness
Summary: The understanding of the stomach and its control is becoming increasingly important due to the frequent occurrence of gastric disorders, the growing emphasis on the gut-brain axis, and the development of realistic models of gastric function. However, the current anatomical, physiological, and histological descriptions of different regions of the stomach do not align well. This review aims to clarify the nomenclature and definitions of gastric regions in order to provide a better basis for conclusions drawn from different studies of the stomach.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hieu Huu Le, Weicheng Zhao, John Barton Furness, Majid Shakeri, Kristy Digiacomo, Eugeni Roura, David Renaudeau, Nicolas Kurt Gabler, Brian Joseph Leury, Frank Rowland Dunshea, Gene Wijffels, Jeremy James Cottrell
Summary: Climate change increases the risk of heat stress in pig production, leading to decreased efficiency. This study investigated the effects of recombinant superoxide dismutase (rSOD) on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in heat-stressed pigs. The results suggest that using in-feed SOD enzymes may be a beneficial strategy for preventing oxidative stress in pigs.
Proceedings Paper
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
John B. Furness
Summary: All living organisms require nutrients from their environment, and the digestive system plays a crucial role in obtaining these nutrients. Different species have varying digestive systems depending on their dietary niche, such as foregut or hindgut fermenters, and their digestive architecture is tailored to their specific needs. Humans, through food preparation, have a unique ability to utilize a wide range of foods, making them adaptable "cucinivores." As the complexity of the digestive system increases, an integrated control system, including the enteric nervous system (ENS) and gut hormones, becomes crucial for movement and assimilation of content. The ENS is present in animals with more complex digestive systems, but not all animals have a central nervous system (CNS). In mammals, the extensive ENS plays a vital role in controlling movement, secretions, blood flow, and the immune system of the gut. The ENS and CNS in animals with both systems have reciprocal connections. From simple organisms like hydra to humans, the ENS is essential for survival.
ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM II
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Andrea Silvestre de Sousa, Debbie Vermeij, Gabriel Parra-Henao, Vidalia Lesmo, Evelin Fortun Fernandez, Jose Jorge Chura Aruni, Fernanda de Souza Nogueira Sardinha Mendes, Laura C. Bohorquez, Alejandro O. Luquetti
Summary: This study describes the innovative work of the "CUIDA Chagas Project", which aims to address the issue of mother-to-child transmission of Chagas disease by providing improved diagnostic and treatment options as well as replicable implementation models. By integrating test, treat, and care actions for Chagas disease into primary health care practices, the burden of the disease on individuals and health systems may be significantly reduced.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lincon A. Stamp, Enie Lei, Jamie J. M. Liew, Ruslan Pustovit, Marlene M. Hao, David H. Croaker, John B. Furness, Cameron D. Adams
Summary: Hirschsprung disease is a congenital disorder in which children lack nerve cells in varying lengths of the large intestine, causing life-threatening complications. Researchers have developed a surgical procedure to create a rat model of the disease, which can be used to assess the effectiveness of cell therapies.
BIOLOGY METHODS & PROTOCOLS
(2022)