Molecular Mechanisms underlying a novel form of cell death induced by impaired GDNF signaling

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Investigation of molecular mechanism underlying caspase-independent cell death of enteric neurons triggered by GDNF deprivation(CI DEN) revealed an intrinsic absence of Apaf-1 function in enteric neurons, which appears to account for the lack in morphological hallmark of apoptosis in CIDEN. Genetic manipulation to block CIDEN in vivo did not cause an increased numbers of enteric neurons, suggesting that CIDEN does not occur in the physiological condition. Blocking CIDEN, however, rescued the intestinal aganglionosis in a mouse model for Hirschsprung disease(HSCR, congenital absence of the enteric ganglia), suggesting that CIDEN is central to the pathogenesis of HSCR.