Early life interaction between the microbiota and the enteric nervous system.

Recent studies on humans and their key experimental model, the mouse, have begun to uncover the importance of gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and enteric nervous system (ENS) interactions during developmental windows spanning from conception to adolescence. Disruptions in GI microbiota and ENS during these windows by environmental factors, particularly antibiotic exposure, have been linked to increased susceptibility of the host to several diseases. Mouse models have provided new insights to potential signaling factors between the microbiota and ENS. We review very recent work on maturation of GI microbiota and ENS during three key developmental windows: embryogenesis, early postnatal, and postweaning periods. We discuss advances in understanding of interactions between the two systems and highlight research avenues for future studies.