Microbial Modulation of the Development and Physiology of the Enteric Nervous System

The gastrointestinal tract harbors its own intrinsic nervous system, the enteric system (ENS). Nutrients, such as glucose, fatty acids, or amino indirectly modulate physiology of ENS. Moreover, recent studies have shown that gut microbiota is a key regulator ENS and development. Although most development occurs in utero, is, an environment devoid microbiota, maternal could influence offspring’s through bacterial metabolites microbiota-regulated signaling pathways. During early life, alterations caused for example by antibiotic use, cause long-term changes Enteroendocrine immune cells are players communication between neuronal network, controls motility, fluid homeostasis, blood flow, but also interacts with other components intestine epithelial cells. Recent indicate diversification, which alongside postnatal maturation, be critical function Here we discuss possibility this functional relationship starts whereby would prime developing shape physiology. We review ENS/microbiota interactions their modulation physiological pathophysiological contexts. While microbial now well established, further required to understand contribution pathology reveal precise mechanisms underlying microbiota-to-ENS communications.