A novel mechanism for intestinal propulsion: transit without neurons or pacemakers

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A significant complication of premature births is that the mechanisms that regulate normal intestinal movements have not yet fully developed. We have recently identified a novel pattern of contraction that is seen predominantly in the colon of mice that have not yet developed either the normal nerve circuits that control gut movement and also lack the pacemaker cells that are intrinsic to the muscle coat. This motor pattern appears to be responsible for the movement of gut content during the development and maturation of the nerve circuits that regulate this process in more adult animals. However, the mechanisms responsible for this process have not been identified. This project is directed at identifying these mechanisms