Enteric nervous system articles from across Nature Portfolio

Single-cell and bulk transcriptomic analyses between dissected components of the pig and human colonic enteric nervous system provide insight into the relevance of pig models for understanding human colonic function and neuromodulation.

There are limited available treatment options for the management of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This Review provides an overview of the gastrointestinal endocannabinoid system and its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pain in IBS.

The influence of nerves on cancer is beginning to be understood. This Review discusses emerging insights into the role of the nervous system in gastrointestinal cancer and of nerves as components of the tumour microenvironment, highlighting underlying mechanisms and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Fluorescently labeled nuclei of the enteric nervous system are isolated from adult mouse or zebrafish gut and characterized by nuclear RNA sequencing and visualization and quantification of transcripts using a custom analytical pipeline.

Mechanosensation — detecting mechanical forces and converting them into physiological responses — is important for normal gastrointestinal tract function. Mechanosensation abnormalities are frequently found in gastrointestinal diseases. This Review describes the physical properties of the gut relevant for mechanosensing, as well as the mechanosensory molecules, cells and circuits involved in gastrointestinal tract mechanosensation.