Highly neurogenic glia from human and mouse myenteric ganglia generate functional neurons following culture and transplantation into the gut
2024

Highly Neurogenic Glia from Human and Mouse Myenteric Ganglia Generate Functional Neurons

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Jessica L. Mueller, Abigail R. Leavitt, Ahmed A. Rahman, Christopher Y. Han, Leah C. Ott, Narges S. Mahdavian, Simona E. Carbone, Sebastian K. King, Alan J. Burns, Daniel P. Poole, Ryo Hotta, Allan M. Goldstein, Rhian Stavely

Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Hypothesis

Many of the ENSCs residing within the MyGa are being discarded.

Conclusion

MyGa-derived neurons possess electrical activity and responsiveness to neurotransmitters, integrate with the ENS after transplantation, and regulate smooth muscle contractility.

Supporting Evidence

  • MyGa-derived cells exhibit higher rates of neurogenesis compared to IM-SC-derived cells.
  • MyGa-derived neurons integrate with the endogenous ENS after transplantation.
  • MyGa-derived cells generate calcium transients in response to neurotransmitters.
  • MyGa can be isolated from human intestinal samples and show similar neurogenic potential.

Takeaway

Scientists found that special cells in the gut called MyGa can turn into nerve cells that help the gut work better, which could help treat gut diseases.

Methodology

Protocols were developed to isolate MyGa and compare their neurogenic potential to intramuscular single cells (IM-SCs).

Limitations

The study only examined short-term outcomes of MyGa-derived neurosphere transplantation and did not explore long-term survival or integration.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114919

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