Recent advances and future research directions in neurogastroenterology and endocrinology recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases.

Recently, a draft of the report of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases was made available to the public. The Commission was given the task of assessing the current state of science in digestive diseases research, and developing a 10-year plan for digestive diseases research consistent with National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s mission of improving the health of the nation through research. Twelve topic-specific areas were selected for organizing the content of the long-range research plan. One chapter was devoted to Research on the Basic Biology of the Digestive System covering major biological pathways which regulate the physiology and biochemistry of the gastrointestinal tract. The author wrote about the areas related to neurogastroenterology, endocrinology and satiety. In this communication, recent advances in these areas are reviewed and major recommendations for future research endeavours are highlighted. Collectively, the recommendations will provide scientific direction for the NIH and all parties engaged in digestive disease research as they address opportunities in digestive diseases research over the next decade.