Emerging roles for enteric glia in gastrointestinal disorders

Enteric glia are important components of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and also form an extensive network in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Initially regarded as passive support cells, it is now clear that they are actively involved as cellular integrators in the control of motili...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of clinical investigation 2015-03, Vol.125 (3), p.918-925
Main Author: Sharkey, Keith A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biomedical research
Brain Diseases - pathology
Constipation
Crohn's disease
Enteric Nervous System - pathology
Gastrointestinal diseases
Gastrointestinal Diseases - pathology
Gastrointestinal Diseases - physiopathology
Gastrointestinal Motility
Humans
Immunology
Inflammatory bowel disease
Intestinal Mucosa - physiopathology
Medical research
Motility
Neuroglia
Neuroglia - physiology
Neurons
Neurophysiology
Parkinson's disease
Phosphorylation
Physiological aspects
Physiological research
Physiology
Review Series
Studies
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Summary:Enteric glia are important components of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and also form an extensive network in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Initially regarded as passive support cells, it is now clear that they are actively involved as cellular integrators in the control of motility and epithelial barrier function. Enteric glia form a cellular and molecular bridge between enteric nerves, enteroendocrine cells, immune cells, and epithelial cells, depending on their location. This Review highlights the role of enteric glia in GI motility disorders and in barrier and defense functions of the gut, notably in states of inflammation. It also discusses the involvement of enteric glia in neurological diseases that involve the GI tract.
ISSN:0021-9738
1558-8238
DOI:10.1172/JCI76303