Cultured Vagal Afferent Neurons as Sensors for Intestinal Effector Molecules.

ABSTRACT: The gut-brain axis embodies the bi-directional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system (CNS), where vagal afferent neurons (VANs) serve as sensors for a variety of gut-derived signals. The gut is colonized by a large and diverse population of microorganisms that communicate via small (effector) molecules, which also act on the VAN terminals situated in the gut viscera and consequently influence many CNS processes. However, the convoluted in vivo environment makes it difficult to study the causative impact of the effector molecules on VAN activation or desensitization. Here, we report on a VAN culture and its proof-of-principle demonstration as a cell-based sensor to monitor the influence of gastrointestinal effector molecules on neuronal behavior. We

SUBMITTER: Girardi G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10295822 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature