Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is a functionally and anatomically segmented organ that is colonized by microbial communities from birth. While the genetics of mouse gut development is increasingly understood, how nutritional factors and the commensal gut microbiota act in concert to shape tissue organization and morphology of this rapidly renewing organ remains enigmatic. Here, we provide an overview of embryonic mouse gut development, with a focus on the intestinal vasculature and the enteric nervous system. We review how nutrition and the gut microbiota affect the adaptation of cellular and morphologic properties of the intestine, and how these processes are interconnected with innate immunity. Furthermore, we discuss how nutritional and microbial factors impact the renewal and differentiation of the epithelial lineage, influence the adaptation of capillary networks organized in villus structures, and shape the enteric nervous system and the intestinal smooth muscle layers. Intriguingly, the anatomy of the gut shows remarkable flexibility to nutritional and microbial challenges in the adult organism.
Highlights
During embryonic development, the gastrointestinal tract is patterned into functionally distinct segments that constantly undergo adaptive remodelling processes [1,2]
The gastrointestinal tract is colonized by microorganisms from the environment [8,9]. This results in the formation of a densely populated microbial ecosystem, termed gut microbiota, that exist in a mutualistic relationship with its host, influencing the development and tissue homeostasis of its habitat
We provide a comprehensive overview on current insights of how diet and gut commensals affect the cellular plasticity of the intestine, including the remodelling of villus capillaries and the enteric nervous system, resulting in adaptation of gut morphology
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract is patterned into functionally distinct segments that constantly undergo adaptive remodelling processes [1,2]. The gastrointestinal tract (as well as other body surfaces) is colonized by microorganisms from the environment [8,9] This results in the formation of a densely populated microbial ecosystem, termed gut microbiota, that exist in a mutualistic relationship with its host, influencing the development and tissue homeostasis of its habitat. Various morphogen gradients control the interaction between the germ layers during gut development [1] These morphogenetic signals control three fundamental processes: (1) regionalization of the gut tube, meaning that distinct regions with different functions are formed along the anteriorposterior axis [41,42,43]; (2) radial patterning of the tube, achieving proper placement of the epithelium, connective tissues, muscle layers, nerve plexuses, vascular and lymphatic vessels, and glands; (3) continuous and persistent self-renewal of the gastrointestinal epithelium from stem cells is ensured [44]
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