IT\u27s A GUT FEELING: Analyzing the balancing act between cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesions during Enteric Neural Crest Cell migration

Abstract

The Enteric Nervous System is a vast and complex network that is vital for proper gastrointestinal function. It\u27s development is dependent on proper migration and colonization of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) in the mesenchyme layer of the developing gut. Impropre migration can lead to disease, such as Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). The migration of these neural crest cells is partially regulated by a balancing act between beta-1 integrin eell-ECM adhesion molecules and N-cadherin cell-cell adhesion molecules. Through direct interactions and intracellular signaling, these two adhesion pathways regulate ENCCs migratory abilities as they move along the developing gut. While this balance between cell adhesions does explain the detachment within the caecum, there are many other influences that direct gut colonization and ENS formation. Elucidating these factors offers insight not only into HSCR but cell migration, cell colonization, and cell interactions