The role of enteric neurons in the development and progression of colorectal cancer

Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer
Author(s): Glenn Rademakers, Nathalie Vaes, Simone Schonkeren, Alexander Koch, Keith A. Sharkey, Veerle Melotte
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the neural network belonging to the gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for regulating gut functions. The importance of the ENS is underscored by the existence of severe gastrointestinal diseases, such as Hirschsprung's disease and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, which arise when the ENS fails to develop normally or becomes dysregulated. Moreover, it is known that enteric neurons are involved in intestinal inflammation and gut homeostasis. So far, the role of the ENS in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis remains poorly understood, even though processes like perineural invasion and neoneurogenesis are important factors in the CRC field. Here we summarize how enteric neurons are affected during CRC and discuss the influence of enteric neurons, either direct or indirect, on CRC development and/or progression. Finally, we illustrate how the ENS could be targeted as a potential anti-cancer therapy, establishing the ENS as an integral part of the tumor microenvironment.



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