ET3 Promotes the Glial Phenotype in Enteric Neural Progenitors When Used in Parallel or after GDNF Stimulus

Abstract

GDNF and ET3 show a complex interaction through the enteric nervous system development. GDNF stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of neural precursors, whereas ET3 blocks differentiation induced by GDNF thereby maintaining a constant pool of precursors. However, ET3 and its receptor play a critical role in the formation of enteric progenitor cells. The effects of these factors seem to compete at times and be complementary in others. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the synchronization between these factors to determine the effect on the differentiation and proliferation of neuronal and glial phenotypes in vitro, to generate populations with cell density and state of development suitable for colonization, adaptation and proper growth in transplantation. This work provides evidence regarding the different effects which ET3 on proliferation and neuronal and glial differentiation, depending on at which interact with the action of GDNF.