Effect of Low-level Laser Therapy on Colonies Isolated From Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Studies on head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy have revealed increased numbers of spp., leading to oral candidiasis and oral mucositis. The effects of laser therapy on spp.

Mini-review: "Enteric glia functions in nervous tissue repair: Therapeutic target or tool?".

In the body, nerve tissue is not only present in the central nervous system, but also in the periphery. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a highly organized intrinsic network of neurons and glial cells grouped to form interconnected ganglia. Glial cells in the ENS are a fascinating cell population: their neurotrophic role is well established, as well as their plasticity in specific circumstances.

A Single RET Mutation in Hirschsprung Disease Induces Intestinal Aganglionosis Via a Dominant-Negative Mechanism.

Background & Aims: Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of the enteric nervous system (ENS). HSCR potentially involves multiple gene aberrations and displays complex patterns of inheritance. Mutations of the RET gene, encoding the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, play a central role in the pathogenesis of HSCR.

Live visualization of a functional RET-EGFP chimeric receptor in homozygous knock-in mice.

The GDNF Family Ligands (GFLs) regulate neural development and kidney organogenesis by activating the RET receptor tyrosine kinase. Many RET-dependent developmental processes involve long-distance cell-cell communications or cell polarity, which includes cell migration and axon guidance. This suggests that spatiotemporally regulated subcellular localization of RET protein and appropriate propagation of RET signaling in cells are essential for the physiological function of the GFLs.