Improving Gastric Motility in Aging Through EZH2 Inhibition and Preservation of Interstitial Cells of Cajal

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) provide important regulatory functions that generate the patterns of gastrointestinal motility.1 ICC serve as pacemaker cells generating electrical slow waves that define the frequencies of peristaltic and segmental contractions.2 ICC also mediate responses to neurotransmitters released from enteric motor neurons.3 ICC growth and differentiation are regulated by the signaling of the receptor tyrosine kinase, KIT and its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF).4 Under pathologic conditions, ICC exhibit phenotypic plasticity, potentially leading to their loss or dysfunction.