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Zic2 is required for enteric nervous system development and neurite outgrowth: a mouse model of enteric hyperplasia and dysplasia
Author(s) -
Zhang Y.,
Niswander L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
neurogastroenterology and motility
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.489
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1365-2982
pISSN - 1350-1925
DOI - 10.1111/nmo.12101
Subject(s) - enteric nervous system , neurite , gastrointestinal tract , biology , regulator , neuroscience , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , in vitro , genetics , gene , biochemistry
From a forward genetic screen in mice we isolated a novel Zic2 allele with abnormal aggregation of meconium in the gastrointestinal tract. Zic2 m1Nisw mutant embryos show an increase in the number of enteric neurons in vivo and disorganization of the neurite network. Explant culture of Zic2 m1Nisw gastrointestinal tract show extensive neurite outgrowth, suggesting that Zic2 is a negative regulator of nerve fiber growth. These studies demonstrate a previously unknown function of Zic2 and provide a novel animal model of enteric nervous system dysplasia and hyperplasia.