[Molecular approach for analyses of gut function: an overview].

This paper reviewed recent progress in analyses of gut function by the aid of molecular biology. Particularly noted were 1) involvement of immediate early genes in mucosal epithelial proliferation in vitro and in ulcer healing in rat stomach in vivo; and 2) possible involvement of c-kit/stem cell factor, endothelin-receptor B, endothelin-3 and ret in regulation of gut motility and Hirschsprung's disease. These cases show that molecular biology, together with novel approaches through medical engineering, significantly expands our knowledge on regulation of gut functions.