An exploratory in vitro co-culture of enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells demonstrates neuronal contribution to muscle layer formation.

ABSTRACT: Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) is characterized by insufficient functional intestinal tissue capable of nutrient transport and absorption. Tissue engineering offers a promising strategy to restore intestinal function by reconstructing a bioengineered muscle layer. In this exploratory study, we investigated the feasibility of co-culturing rat smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with enteric nervous system (ENS) cells in layered three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Three culture conditions were compared: SMC monocultures, paracrine signaling through a semipermeable membrane, and direct ENS-SMC co-culture. Although some effects in this reductionist model may reflect in vitro artifacts rather than true developmental processes, our results demonstrate that ENS and SMCs can form structural and potentially funct

SUBMITTER: Khasanov R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12949246 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature