Evolution of Cell Types, Developmental Mechanisms, and Functional Properties of Digestive Systems.

The digestive system represents one of the most dynamic and functionally integrated organ systems in animals. Across metazoan evolution, digestive organs have undergone remarkable diversification in their cellular composition, molecular regulation, and physiological specialization, enabling organisms to adapt to distinct ecological niches, nutritional environments, and life-history strategies. Comparative research is revealing that the emergence and diversification of digestive cell types are closely linked to conserved gene regulatory networks and developmental signaling pathways that coordinate organogenesis and functional maturation. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial omics technologies have transformed our understanding of digestive tissue evolution, uncovering conserved and lineage-specific molecular programs governing epithelial differentiation, secretory specialization, immune integration, and neuroendocrine control. Furthermore, the digestive tract is increasingly recognized as a multisystem communication hub that integrates metabolic, neural, endocrine, and immune processes. Notably, the gut-brain axis and host-associated microbiomes have emerged as crucial regulators, shaping developmental programs, metabolic states, neural signaling, and adaptive strategies across diverse animal lineages. Despite these advances, key questions remain regarding how cellular and molecular mechanisms driving digestive system diversification contribute to broader organismal physiology and ecological adaptation.This Research Topic aims to provide a multidisciplinary synthesis of current research exploring the evolutionary, developmental, and functional organization of digestive systems. It seeks to investigate how digestive tissues acquire, diversify, and integrate their cellular functions within complex physiological networks. A central goal is to elucidate the interplay among digestive, neural, and microbial components—particularly how the gut-brain axis and microbiome-mediated communication influence immune responses, metabolism, and adaptation. By bridging perspectives from evolutionary biology, developmental biology, physiology, neurobiology, and microbiology, this Research Topic will highlight emerging concepts and methodologies that reshape our understanding of digestive system biology.To gather further insights into the cellular, developmental, and functional diversity of digestive systems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Evolutionary developmental mechanisms of digestive system formation in metazoans-Evolution of digestive organ function and diversification of digestive cell types-Gut-brain axis and its impact on metabolism, immune regulation, and behavior-Evolution and physiology of the enteric nervous system-Host–microbial interactions and microbiome-mediated regulation of gut development and function-Integrative omics approaches to study digestive system evolution, development, and adaptation Topic editors: Rossella Annunziata, CARMEN ANDRIKOU Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82093/evolution-of-cell-types-developmental-mechanisms-and-functional-properties-of-digestive-systems