肠神经系统发育的研究进展

Recent advances in the development of enteric nervous system

肠神经系统是由肠神经元和神经胶质细胞组成的网络体,它起源于神经嵴干细胞。而神经嵴干细胞在多种细胞因子及信号分子的参与下,经历增殖、迁移及分化过程,形成各种类型的肠道细胞。这些细胞分别表达不同的神经递质和神经肽,共同调控肠道的功能。胚胎期肠神经系统的发育障碍是先天性巨结肠症(Hirschsprung’s disease,HSCR)的根本原因。近年来,胚胎期肠管神经发育的研究取得了一些进展,尤其是在信号通路及其与HSCR的关系上,这也为HSCR的治疗提供了一些借鉴。

Enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of a network of neurons and glial cells, arising from enteric neural crest-derived cells and undergoing proliferation, migration and differentiation to form various types of intestinal cells with the participation of various cytokines and signaling molecules. Various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are synthesized for regulating the function of intestinal tract. Developmental disorder of embryonic enteric nervous system is a major causative factor of Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). In recent years, development of enteric nervous system has great advances in understanding the signaling pathway and its relationship with HSCR. It provides useful rationales for treating HSCR.