Mapping and quantifying neuropeptides in the enteric nervous system

Neuropeptides are a highly diverse group of signaling molecules found in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs, including the enteric nervous system (ENS). Increasing efforts have been focused on dissecting the role of neuropeptides in both neural-and non-neural-related diseases, as well as their potential therapeutic value. In parallel, accurate knowledge on their source of production and pleiotropic functions is still needed to fully understand their implications in biological processes. This review will focus on the analytical challenges involved in studying neuropeptides, particularly in the ENS, a tissue where their abundance is low, together with opportunities for further technical development.

Automated summary

Neuropeptides are diverse signaling molecules found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the enteric nervous system. Studying their role in diseases and therapeutic potential requires addressing analytical challenges, particularly in the low abundance of neuropeptides in the ENS tissue. This review discusses these challenges and opportunities for technical development.