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 at Cairibu 2024.

news

Apr 09, 2025 Congratulations to Gabbie Robilotto for winning Top Basic Science Abstract and earning a podium presentation at the 10th Annual Multidisciplinary Benign Urology Research Symposium (2025) at Duke University!
Congratulations Gabbie!
Mar 05, 2025 Congrats to Gabbie Robilotto on winning first place at the SUFU 2025 Basic Science Podium Presentations in Palm Springs California. Firoj Alom’s abstract won second place with Aaron Mickle presenting.
Gabbie giving her podium presentation at SUFU 2025 in Palm Springs, CA.
Feb 28, 2025 Our sincerest congrats to Hannah Anderson. Her hard work has earned her 1st Place in last week’s Three Minute Thesis competition. She now advances to the regionals! We’re cheering for you, Hannah!!
Feb 17, 2025 New paper alert. A collaborative project with Yi Zhang’s group at UConn developing novel coatings for soft and flexible implantable devices. Liquid-based encapsulation for implantable bioelectronics across broad pH environments. Congrats to Gabbie from our lab as the co-first Author.
Dec 09, 2024 The whole lab attended CAIRIBU 2024 in Milwaukee. Congrats to Hannah Anderson for winning best poster in the contratility section!
Post Award!

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