Ep. 262: “Glia in the Gut” Featuring Dr. Marissa Scavuzzo
Mar 5, 2024
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Explore the role of glial cells in the gut and their impact on intestinal motility. Learn about the research on astrocytes in organoids and their function. Discover advancements in bone marrow organoids modeling hematopoietic development and lymphoma organoids for targeted cancer treatments. Dive into the challenges and successes of creating graftable hematopoietic stem cells. Delve into the importance of diversity and authentic problem-solving in science.
Enteric glial cells have diverse morphologies and include specialized hub cells regulating intestinal motility.
Microfluidic biochips demonstrate how biomechanical input impacts glial cells, revealing a feedforward mechanism for motility regulation.
Innovative technologies, like microfluidic devices, offer insights into glial cell functions in disease contexts and potential interventions in GI pathologies.
Deep dives
Identification of Functionally Specialized Subtypes of Enteric Glial Cells
Enteric glial cells, situated throughout the gastrointestinal system, were shown to have diverse morphologies. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, a subset called hub cells was identified, with a unique role in coordinating intestinal motility. These hub cells express mechanosensory channels, like Pizzo2, likely involved in sensing force and transmitting signals for regulating motility.
Innovative Microfluidic Biochips to Study Enteric Glia and Biomechanical Sensors
The utilization of microfluidic biochips allowed researchers to illustrate how biomechanical input, particularly through the mechanosensory channel Pizzo2, impacts glial cells. These chips reveal a feedforward mechanism wherein glial cells receive and transmit biomechanical cues, contributing to intestinal motility regulation.
Application of Microfluidic Devices in Understanding Enteric Glial Cell Function in Diseases
The microfluidic devices employed to study the biomechanical impact on enteric glial cells offer insights into the potential role of these cells in various genetic backgrounds and neurodegenerative conditions. These technologies could be instrumental in further exploring the functionalities of glial cells in disease contexts.
Future Directions in Enteric Glial Cell Research
The study's findings open new avenues for investigating the significance of functionally specialized enteric glial subtypes, like hub cells, in gastrointestinal health and disease. The use of innovative technologies, like microfluidic biochips, can enhance the understanding of biomechanical sensing mechanisms in glial cells, providing a foundation for targeted interventions in GI pathologies.
Innovative Use of Intestinal Organoids in Research
Growing pluripotent stem cell derived intestinal organoids with innervated interarach nervous systems allows for the study of patient-specific enteric nervous system dysfunction. By modeling motility using fluidic devices and observing peristalsis in a dish, researchers can gain insights into digestive disorders and syndromes. This technology, based on previous work by Jim Willes and Maxi Mahes, provides a unique and powerful model for studying gut movement and dysfunction.
Impact of Career Development Programs on Early Researchers
Being part of the H.H. and My Hand Gray Fellowship program provides significant financial support and a supportive community for diverse early career researchers. The program offers unrestricted funding, career readiness programs, and networking opportunities to prepare fellows for independent faculty careers. The program's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with the mentorship provided, plays a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring scientists. The program not only offers financial benefits but also fosters a sense of community and mentorship essential for success in academia.
Dr. Marissa Scavuzzo is an HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellow at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on enteric glia regulation in the healthy and diseased gut. She talks about how glial cell subtypes affect intestinal motility and her experience receiving NYSCF and HHMI fellowships. She also talks about bringing science to underserved schools in Cleveland.
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