Enteric neurons and colonic epithelium

Enteric neurons and colonic epithelium constitute the fundamental neuro-epithelial unit of the gastrointestinal tract, coordinating essential functions such as motility, secretion, and barrier integrity (Furness, 2012, ISBN: 978-1-4443-3332-9). The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an extensive network of neurons within the gut wall that regulates local physiological processes independently of the central nervous system (Furness et al., 2014, PubMed: 24997029). The colonic epithelium acts as a selective barrier and is responsible for water and electrolyte transport, a process heavily influenced by secretomotor neurons of the ENS (Keita & Söderholm, 2010, PubMed: 20924439). Dysregulation of the communication between these neurons and epithelial cells is implicated in various disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Sharkey & Savidge, 2014, PubMed: 24760431). While this entry describes a tissue system rather than a single molecular target, the system contains numerous druggable proteins such as the 5-HT4 receptor on neurons and Guanylate Cyclase-C (GC-C) on epithelial cells. Drugs like prucalopride and linaclotide target these specific components to treat motility and secretory disorders (Manabe et al., 2010, PubMed: 20103046; Layer & Stanghellini, 2014, PubMed: 24830558).

Other names

Enteric nervous system and intestinal epitheliumNeuro-epithelial unit of the colonENS and colonic mucosa

Pharmacological agents interact with specific receptors, enzymes, or ion channels located on these cells, such as 5-HT4 receptors on enteric neurons to stimulate motility or Guanylate Cyclase-C on epithelial cells to increase fluid secretion.