Development of the Zebrafish Enteric Nervous System

• Authors: Iain Shepherd, Emory University; Judith Eisen, University of Oregon
• Journal Title: Methods in Cell Biology
• Volume: Volume 101
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2011, Pages 143-160
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-387036-0.00006-2
• Subjects: Biology, Cell; Biology, General

Abstract

The enteric nervous system is composed of neurons and glia that modulate many aspects of intestinal function. The ability to use both forward and reverse genetic approaches and to visualize development in living embryos and larvae has made zebrafish an attractive model in which to study mechanisms underlying enteric nervous system development. Here we review recent work describing the development and organization of the zebrafish enteric nervous system and how this relates to intestinal motility. We also discuss the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms that have been revealed by these studies and how they are providing new insights into human enteric nervous system diseases.