We are captivated by the mechanisms that regulate cell fates and states – not just how a cell acquires their identity, but how they maintain it against all odds when challenged. The digestive system is particularly interesting to study this, as cells must maintain their functions while constantly bombarded by stimuli. The ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and process waste is required for life. Many of these essential processes are controlled by an independent nervous system called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS, often referred to as the “second brain,” weaves through every layer of gastrointestinal tissue. The ENS has been called “the brain inside your gut” because it can control many aspects of gut function without input from the brain.
Glia regulate almost every aspect of neurophysiology. In the brain, a heterogeneous group of glia called astrocytes support synapse formation, govern vascular coupling, interact with microglia, regulate metabolism, maintain homeostasis, and respond to pathological cues. Enteric glia in the gut are diverse, suggesting that distinct subsets may perform defined functions in a manner that parallels the varied roles of glia in the brain.
The Scavuzzo lab develops innovative, multidisciplinary technologies to map the functional states of enteric glial cells in health and across a range of conditions.
Remarkably, disturbances in gut function are documented not only in intestinal and metabolic disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity, but also in neurologic conditions like Parkinson’s and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Deciphering how enteric glia respond to environmental changes has proven challenging due to the labyrinth of intestinal cell types and the dynamic luminal milieu. Addressing this challenge demands a convergence of multidisciplinary skills and the development of sophisticated cellular and molecular tools. We aim to revolutionize our understanding of homeostasis in the gut and open doors to new therapeutic approaches. The Scavuzzo lab aims to push scientific boundaries to gain mechanistic insight into how enteric glia contribute to intestinal physiology and dysfunction, paving the way towards therapies for the millions of GI and neurodiverse patients suffering from gut disturbances.