Heuckeroth Lab
Our research is directed toward discovering the molecular mechanisms that control development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is a complex network of neurons and glia within the wall of the gut. This neuronal network controls intestinal motility, responds to sensory stimuli from the gut, and regulates mucosal secretion and blood flow. The cells that give rise to the ENS originate in the vagal and sacral neural crest. These pleuripotent cells migrate into the gut starting at E9 in the mouse, and have reached the distal gut by E14. As the neural crest cells migrate, they also actively proliferate to form enough cells to populate the ENS. Enteric neural crest precursors give rise to both enteric neurons and glia. Once committed to the neuronal lineage, these cells differentiate into a wide variety of neuronal subtypes that are required to act in a coordinated fashion to control intestinal function. While much has been learned over the past few years about the molecular machinery that controls ENS morphogenesis, many aspects of the development of the ENS are not yet understood. The laboratory has three primary areas of focus. First, we are using mutant mouse models to understand the role of Ret signaling in ENS development. Second, we are exploring the effect of retinoids (biologically active forms of Vitamin A) on ENS development. Finally, we are using a variety of molecular and genetic approaches to identify novel genes that control specific aspects of enteric neural crest development.
Contact Information
660 S. Euclid Avenue
Campus Box 8208
St. Louis, MO 63110
heuckeroth@kids.wustl.edu
314-286-2853 (office)
314-286-2842 (lab)
Heuckeroth Lab
Our research is directed toward discovering the molecular mechanisms that control development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is a complex network of neurons and glia within the wall of the gut. This neuronal network controls intestinal motility, responds to sensory stimuli from the gut, and regulates mucosal secretion and blood flow. The cells that give rise to the ENS originate in the vagal and sacral neural crest. These pleuripotent cells migrate into the gut starting at E9 in the mouse, and have reached the distal gut by E14. As the neural crest cells migrate, they also actively proliferate to form enough cells to populate the ENS. Enteric neural crest precursors give rise to both enteric neurons and glia. Once committed to the neuronal lineage, these cells differentiate into a wide variety of neuronal subtypes that are required to act in a coordinated fashion to control intestinal function. While much has been learned over the past few years about the molecular machinery that controls ENS morphogenesis, many aspects of the development of the ENS are not yet understood. The laboratory has three primary areas of focus. First, we are using mutant mouse models to understand the role of Ret signaling in ENS development. Second, we are exploring the effect of retinoids (biologically active forms of Vitamin A) on ENS development. Finally, we are using a variety of molecular and genetic approaches to identify novel genes that control specific aspects of enteric neural crest development.
Contact Information
660 S. Euclid Avenue
Campus Box 8208
St. Louis, MO 63110
heuckeroth@kids.wustl.edu
314-286-2853 (office)
314-286-2842 (lab)