Microbiota Controls the Homeostasis of Glial Cells in the Gut Lamina Propria

Summary

The intrinsic neural networks of the gastrointestinal tract are derived from dedicated neural crest progenitors that colonize the gut during embryogenesis and give rise to enteric neurons and glia. Here, we study how an essential subpopulation of enteric glial cells (EGCs) residing within the intestinal mucosa is integrated into the dynamic microenvironment of the alimentary tract. We find that under normal conditions colonization of the lamina propria by glial cells commences during early postnatal stages but reaches steady-state levels after weaning. By employing genetic lineage tracing, we provide evidence that in adult mice the network of mucosal EGCs is continuously renewed by incoming glial cells originating in the plexi of the gut wall. Finally, we demonstrate that both the initial colonization and homeostasis of glial cells in the intestinal mucosa are regulated by the indigenous gut microbiota.

Highlights

• •

  The glial cell network of the gut mucosa develops after birth

• •

  Mucosal glial cells are a continuously renewed homeostatic cell population

• •

  Microbiota regulates the development and homeostasis of mucosal glial cells

Abstract

Mucosal glial cells are important for maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier and regulating immune responses in the gut. Kabouridis et al. demonstrate that signals from microbiota regulate the postnatal development and the continuous renewal of this protective cell network.