Regional encoding of enteric nervous system responses to microbiota and type 2 inflammation.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
Authors
Abstract

Enteric neurons are essential regulators of intestinal physiology, yet their responses to varying microbial and immune environments along the intestinal tract and or during challenges remain poorly understood. In this study, we regionally profiled enteric neurons across gnotobiotic, allergic, and parasite-infected mice. Timing and complexity of microbial perturbations and type 2 inflammation result in motor neuron state shifts and alter multiple functionally distinct sensory neurons, including interleukin-13- and leukotriene-responsive -hi cells and -hi neurons, which expand in germ-free colonic tissue and interact with interstitial cells of Cajal. Leveraging adeno-associated virus-based Perturb-seq, we identified and as controllers of motor neuron state transition and gastrointestinal transit time, directly linking enteric neuron states to physiology.

Year of Publication
2025
Journal
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Volume
390
Issue
6772
Pages
eadr3545
Date Published
10/2025
ISSN
1095-9203
DOI
10.1126/science.adr3545
PubMed ID
41166460
Links