Receptors and the development of the enteric nervous system

Abstract During early development a chain of neurons and glial precursors migrate from the neural crest to form a network that completely surrounds the entire gut. The glial cell line–derived growth factor and its receptor, Ret, are required for formation of the enteric nervous system (ENT). Individuals with a malfunction in either protein get Hirschsprung disease and poorly digest food. The ENT communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve but can function independently to control digestion. The gut microbiota consists of hundreds of millions of viruses, bacteria, and other protists that inhabit the ENT. Mice raised under sterile conditions demonstrate cognitive and behavioral deficits. Studies suggest that defective microbiota caused by overuse of antibiotics may be one factor producing increased autism and attention deficit disorder.