[HTML][HTML] Planar cell polarity genes control the connectivity of enteric neurons

V Sasselli, W Boesmans, PV Berghe… - The Journal of …, 2013 - Am Soc Clin Investig
V Sasselli, W Boesmans, PV Berghe, F Tissir, AM Goffinet, V Pachnis
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2013Am Soc Clin Investig
A highly complex network of intrinsic enteric neurons is required for the digestive and
homeostatic functions of the gut. Nevertheless, the genetic and molecular mechanisms that
regulate their assembly into functional neuronal circuits are currently unknown. Here we
report that the planar cell polarity (PCP) genes Celsr3 and Fzd3 are required during murine
embryogenesis to specifically control the guidance and growth of enteric neuronal
projections relative to the longitudinal and radial gut axes. Ablation of these genes disrupts …
A highly complex network of intrinsic enteric neurons is required for the digestive and homeostatic functions of the gut. Nevertheless, the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate their assembly into functional neuronal circuits are currently unknown. Here we report that the planar cell polarity (PCP) genes Celsr3 and Fzd3 are required during murine embryogenesis to specifically control the guidance and growth of enteric neuronal projections relative to the longitudinal and radial gut axes. Ablation of these genes disrupts the normal organization of nascent neuronal projections, leading to subtle changes of axonal tract configuration in the mature enteric nervous system (ENS), but profound abnormalities in gastrointestinal motility. Our data argue that PCP-dependent modules of connectivity established at early stages of enteric neurogenesis control gastrointestinal function in adult animals and provide the first evidence that developmental deficits in ENS wiring may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic bowel disorders.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation