肠胶质细胞（EGC）是肠神经系统（ENS）的重要组成部分，在胃肠道发育、体内平衡和疾病中发挥着关键作用。 EGC 源自神经嵴细胞，经历受各种信号通路调节的复杂分化过程。作为消化系统中最具活力的细胞之一，EGC 对周围微环境中的信号做出反应，并与肠道内的各种细胞类型和系统进行通信。形态学研究和最近的单细胞 RNA 测序研究揭示了 EGC 群体之间的异质性，这对疾病中的区域功能和作用具有影响。在胃肠道疾病中，包括炎症性肠病 (IBD)、感染和癌症，EGC 调节神经可塑性、免疫反应和肿瘤发生。最近的证据表明，EGC 对微环境信号做出可塑性反应，在疾病状态下调整其表型和功能，并发挥关键作用。它们表现出分子异常并改变与其他肠道细胞类型的通讯，强调了它们作为靶点的治疗潜力。这篇综述深入探讨了 EGC 的多方面作用，特别强调了它们与肠道中各种细胞类型的相互作用以及它们对胃肠道疾病的重要贡献。了解 EGC 在胃肠道生理学和病理学中的复杂作用对于开发胃肠道疾病的新型治疗策略至关重要。版权所有 © 2024 Santhosh、Zanoletti、Stamp、Hao 和 Matteoli。

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are an essential component of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and play key roles in gastrointestinal development, homeostasis, and disease. Derived from neural crest cells, EGCs undergo complex differentiation processes regulated by various signalling pathways. Being among the most dynamic cells of the digestive system, EGCs react to cues in their surrounding microenvironment and communicate with various cell types and systems within the gut. Morphological studies and recent single cell RNA sequencing studies have unveiled heterogeneity among EGC populations with implications for regional functions and roles in diseases. In gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections and cancer, EGCs modulate neuroplasticity, immune responses and tumorigenesis. Recent evidence suggests that EGCs respond plastically to the microenvironmental cues, adapting their phenotype and functions in disease states and taking on a crucial role. They exhibit molecular abnormalities and alter communication with other intestinal cell types, underscoring their therapeutic potential as targets. This review delves into the multifaceted roles of EGCs, particularly emphasizing their interactions with various cell types in the gut and their significant contributions to gastrointestinal disorders. Understanding the complex roles of EGCs in gastrointestinal physiology and pathology will be crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders.Copyright © 2024 Santhosh, Zanoletti, Stamp, Hao and Matteoli.