Visceral Neurophysiology and Engineering Lab

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The Visceral Neurophysiology and Engineering Lab, led by Dr. Aaron Mickle, is based in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Our research focuses on neuronal control of bladder dysfunction and pain. Specifically, we investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying bladder sensory function, including how sensory information is transmitted from non-neuronal cells within the bladder to sensory neurons. Additionally, we explore how the central nervous system encodes this information. Our lab is committed to developing innovative treatments for various bladder disorders, such as overactive bladder, bladder pain syndrome, and bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury. We approach this challenge from multiple angles, including:

• Research tool development: Creating advanced tools to study bladder function and dysfunction.

• Implantable biomedicine treatments: Exploring novel approaches for managing bladder-related conditions.

• Validating new pharmacological targets: Identifying potential drug targets to improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, we extend our interest beyond bladder-related issues to include pelvic organ pain and interoception. Our goal is to enhance our understanding of these complex physiological processes and contribute to better patient care.

Overview of the bladder sensory pathway and bladder anatomy. A Mechanical and chemical stimuli are transduced to convey the state of the bladder, ascending via the hypogastric (T10, L1, and L2) and pelvic (L6, S1) nerves to the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and other supraspinal sites such as the pontine micturition center (PMC). B Major anatomy of the urinary bladder. C The layers of the bladder, traveling up from the outermost adventitia/serosa to the lumen. Published - https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/1659. Original artwork by Harrison Hsiang https://www.hsiangarts.com/.
Lab Holiday Gathering 2023.

news

Sep 25, 2024 Hannah Anderson published her first first-author paper in American Journal of Physiology-Renal. Her review “Role of Local Angiotensin II Signaling in Bladder Function” evaluates the literature investigating angiotensin II signaling in the bladder. Congrats to all the authors!
Sep 12, 2024 Our dynamic team at the Medical College of Wisconsin is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to join our group studying mechanisms of bladder sensation, interoception, and pain. The candidate would have the opportunity to lead studies involving signaling between nociceptors and non-neuronal cells in models of interstitial cystitis and bladder pain. They would have the opportunity to learn a variety of techniques from animal behavior, cytometric testing, electrophysiology, fMRI, and optogenetics. Additionally, there are resources available to initiate independent projects with the aim of building an independent research career. Interested applicants can reach out to Aaron Mickle directly through email amickle@mcw.edu. More information about the lab can be found at micklelab.com
Sep 01, 2024 The lab has recently received a notice of award for a new 5-year R01 to study the role of urothelial cells in sensory signaling. With Co-investigators Jim Hokanson and Shahab Vahdat (UC -Riverside), we will start to define a role for the sensory component of urothelial cells in bladder sensation, interoception, and pain. This study will use a recently published animal model that allows us to isolate urothelial stimulation using optogenetics. Congrats to the whole team!
Diagram of the optogenetic model used to study the role of urothelial cells in bladder sensation
Jul 01, 2024 We have arrived and have started establishing the lab and collaberations at MCW!
Medical College of Wisconsin Campus.
Jun 01, 2024 Dr. Mickle was recently interviewed for an article on brain bladder interactions and how urine urgency is perceived. Read Here

selected publications

  1. Acute ampakines increase voiding function and coordination in a rat model of SCI
    Sabhya Rana , Firoj Alom , Robert C Martinez , David D Fuller , and Aaron D Mickle
    Elife, 2024
  2. Optogenetic urothelial cell stimulation induces bladder contractions and pelvic nerve afferent firing
    Gabriella L Robilotto , Olivia J Yang , Firoj Alom , Richard D Johnson , and Aaron D Mickle
    Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol., Aug 2023