Data from: Synaptic cell adhesion molecule Cdh6 identifies a class of sensory neurons with novel functions in colonic motility

Intrinsic sensory neurons are an essential part of the enteric nervous
system (ENS) and play a crucial role in gastrointestinal tract motility
and digestion. Neuronal subtypes in the ENS have been distinguished by
their electrophysiological properties, morphology, and expression of
characteristic markers, notably neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Here,
we investigated synaptic cell adhesion molecules as novel cell type
markers in the ENS. Our work identifies two Type II classic
cadherins, Cdh6 and Cdh8, specific to
sensory neurons in the mouse colon. We show
that Cdh6+ neurons demonstrate all other distinguishing
classifications of enteric sensory neurons, including marker expression
of Calcb and Nmu, Dogiel type II morphology and
AH-type electrophysiology and IH current. Optogenetic
activation of Cdh6+ sensory neurons in the distal colon
evokes retrograde colonic motor complexes (CMCs), while pharmacologic
blockade of rhythmicity-associated current IH disrupts the
spontaneous generation of CMCs. These findings provide the first
demonstration of selective activation of a single neurochemical and
functional class of enteric neurons, and demonstrate a functional and
critical role for sensory neurons in the generation of CMCs.