Who's talking to whom: microbiome-enteric nervous system interactions in early life

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and regulates important GI func-tions, including motility, nutrient uptake, and immune response. The development of the ENS begins during early organogenesis and continues to develop once feeding begins, with ongoing plasticity into adulthood. There has been increasing recognition that the intestinal microbiota and ENS interact during critical periods, with implications for normal development and potential dis-ease pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on insights from mouse and zebrafish model systems to compare and contrast how each model can serve in elucidating the bidirectional communication between the ENS and the microbiome. At the end of this review, we further outline implications for human disease and highlight research innovations that can lead the field forward.

Automated summary

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and plays a crucial role in regulating GI functions. The development of the ENS is influenced by the intestinal microbiota and their interaction is important for normal development and disease pathogenesis. Mouse and zebrafish model systems have provided valuable insights into the bidirectional communication between the ENS and the microbiome.