About this Research Topic
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex network and one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It is sometimes called a "second brain" because it can function independently of central nervous system (CNS). The ENS is responsible for controlling the digestive and defensive functions of the digestive system, including regulating the movement of food through the digestive tract, secretion of digestive enzymes and fluids, and blood flow to the digestive organs. Dysfunction in the ENS has been implicated in many digestive disorders, such as Hirschsprung's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroparesis. Recent advances in ENS research have greatly expanded our understanding of this complex system and its role in health and disease. However, the exact causes and mechanisms underlying ENS disorders are still poorly understood, despite ongoing research efforts.
In this research topic, we invite authors to submit review and original research papers related to the causes and mechanisms of enteric neuropathies, the influence of the gut-brain axis on ENS development and function, the influence of the microbiome on the development and function of ENS, and the therapeutic potential of targeting the ENS and gut-brain axis for the treatment of digestive disorders. We encourage papers that explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to further the understanding of the ENS.
Additionally, we also welcome papers that investigate the role of the ENS in other body systems beyond the digestive system, such as its potential involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and immune system regulation. We encourage submissions that utilize a range of experimental approaches, including but not limited to molecular biology, electrophysiology, imaging, and animal models.
Overall, this research topic aims to bring together the latest research on the enteric nervous system and its implications for human health and diseases. We hope that the papers published in this issue will contribute to a deeper understanding of the ENS and ultimately lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for digestive and other related disorders.
In this research topic, we invite authors to submit review and original research papers related to the causes and mechanisms of enteric neuropathies, the influence of the gut-brain axis on ENS development and function, the influence of the microbiome on the development and function of ENS, and the therapeutic potential of targeting the ENS and gut-brain axis for the treatment of digestive disorders. We encourage papers that explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to further the understanding of the ENS.
Additionally, we also welcome papers that investigate the role of the ENS in other body systems beyond the digestive system, such as its potential involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and immune system regulation. We encourage submissions that utilize a range of experimental approaches, including but not limited to molecular biology, electrophysiology, imaging, and animal models.
Overall, this research topic aims to bring together the latest research on the enteric nervous system and its implications for human health and diseases. We hope that the papers published in this issue will contribute to a deeper understanding of the ENS and ultimately lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for digestive and other related disorders.
Keywords: Enteric nervous system, Dysfunction, Gut-brain axis, Enteric neuropathies, Development
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
