Preclinical NMT

Preclinical Neurogastroenterology Motility & Translational Research Group

Advancing Brain-Gut Science for Tomorrow’s Therapies

Our mission

To deepen understanding of the complex interactions between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, uncover the mechanisms driving GI motility and visceral pain in health and disease, and guide the development of future therapeutic strategies.

Our team

• Million Mulugeta, DVM, PhD (Director)
• Muriel Larauche, PhD (Associate Director)
• Karim Atmani, PhD
• Pu-Qing Yuan, PhD
• Lixin Wang, MD, PhD
• Elizabeth J. Videlock, MD, PhD
• Vivian Chang, MD
• Justin Wagner, MD
• Zachary Weitzner, MD
• Wentai Lu, PhD
• Catia Sternini, MD
• Andrey Mazarati, MD, PhD
• Dennis M. Jensen, MD
• Joseph Pisegna, MD
• Patrizia Germano, MD
• Yvette Taché, PhD
• Gordon Ohning, MD, PhD*
• Jonathan Brand (cPhD)
• Hanyi Duan (cPhD)
• Ryan Kochis (cPhD)
• Leah Abraham (undergraduate student)
• Kate Anderson-Strain (undergraduate student)

*Consultant

Our goals

• Generate novel insights: Apply cutting-edge techniques to explore the functional and structural circuits, cellular and molecular signatures of gut-brain interactions in health and GI disease states.
• Help develop and validate closed-loop interoceptive gut-brain modulation (IGP), next-generation, implantable or ingestible gut devices, through targeted site delivery and testing.
• Help develop minimally invasive neuromodulation approaches and parameters of the autonomic nervous system to gain insight on gut function, treat gut dysmotility and pain disorders.
• Model disease pathology: Develop and validate preclinical model of high translational value (porcine) and computational models that accurately represent the key features of complex neurogastroenterological disorders, such as acute and early life stress-induced gut dysmotility; chronic constipation, visceral pain and nerve fiber type selective electroceutical modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
• Facilitate translational discoveries: Identify and validate preclinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clinical translation, bridging the gap between basic science and patient care.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration: Establish partnerships with basic science, clinical researchers and bioengineers to apply findings and accelerate the development of new diagnostic and treatment tools.
• Train the next generation of leaders: Provide a supportive and dynamic training environment for early-career scientists and trainees, preparing them to lead future research and innovation in the brain-gut and neurogastroenterology research. 

Collaboration across disciplines

Our team unites senior and early-career scientists and clinicians from a wide range of disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges basic science, translational research, and clinical practice.

• Basic and translational neurogastroenterology and brain-gut interaction researchers
• Pediatric surgeons
• Spine surgeons
• Gastroenterologists and endoscopists
• Bioengineers and device innovators
• Young clinical scientists and trainees
• Postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, and undergraduates

Members’ research

Our members conduct cutting-edge research spanning foundational studies, innovative device development, and translational models to better understand and treat gastrointestinal and related disorders.

• Foundational
  • Autonomic circuit structural and functional mapping of the lower gut
  • Innovative GI devices implant and functionality validation
  • Develop preclinical and computational models of high predictive value for GI research in health and diseases
• Refractory GI diseases
  • Stress and functional gut diseases
  • Colon-bladder visceral pain cross sensitization and dysfunction
  • Opioid-induced constipation and neuromodulation
  • Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and gut dysmotility
  • Trauma, epilepsy, and gut dysfunction
  • Bloom syndrome and gut dysfunction

Equipment and facilities

Our team has access to a comprehensive range of advanced equipment and state-of-the-art facilities that support cutting-edge research and clinical studies. These resources enable precise physiological measurements, sophisticated imaging, surgical procedures, and behavioral assessments, fostering seamless translation from basic science to clinical applications.

• Equipment
  • Barostat and manometric tools, surgical instruments, mucosal electrophysiology devices, iWORX system, intestinal manometry sets, endoscopy including scopes, processors, tower, and a video-enabled behavioral monitoring system.
• Facilities
  • State-of-the-art operating rooms and dedicated laboratories for in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies; an AAALAC-accredited vivarium; and the Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC) with ultrasound, CT, and MRI capabilities. Access is also available to a range of specialized centers and cores, including human gut tissue resources, a brain imaging database, the Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, and a statistics core.