Kara Marshall, Ph.D.

Research

The Marshall lab will explore how mechanosensory molecules and cells—those that sense forces like pressure and stretch—regulate the physiological operation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Inside our bodies, various organs distend and contract as they perform their duties; nearby neurons monitor and transmit the resulting mechanical sensations to the brain to guide the appropriate behaviors. For example, stretch sensors in the stomach initiate digestion and tell us when we feel full, and bladder stretch alerts us to find a bathroom. Despite their importance, the mechanosensory systems that govern these processes are not understood. We previously discovered that a stretch receptor called PIEZO2 detects distension of the bladder and mediates urination. Now, using a combination of techniques, including genetics, histology, and neuronal mapping, we will determine how mechanosensory proteins, like PIEZO ion channels, contribute to the physiology of the GI tract. We will extend this work to delineate how the brain integrates mechanical cues from the body to regulate GI physiology and feeding. We hope that our work will reveal how sensation of mechanical signals promotes healthy GI function and could lead to new treatments for the GI tract in inflammation and other disease states.