Visceral Neurophysiology and Engineering Lab
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.
news
Jun 01, 2024 | Dr. Mickle was recently interviewed for an article on brain bladder interactions and how urine urgency is perceived. Read Here |
---|---|
Apr 29, 2024 | The lab is moving to the Medical College of Wisconsin |
Apr 25, 2024 | Congratulations to Gabbie Robilotto for winning 2nd best poster presentation for graduate students and Firoj Alom, who won third place in the postdoc category at the annual UF CVM Phi Zeta Research Day. Way to go! |
Mar 07, 2024 | Congrats to Drs. Firoj Alom and Sabhya Rana on their co-first author publication in eLife! We show evidence that AMPA receptors play a key role in bladder function. Additionally, we show convincingly that AMPA allosteric activators can ameliorate many of the subacute defects in bladder and external urethral sphincter function following SCI, including prolonged voiding intervals and high bladder pressure thresholds for voiding. These valuable results in rodents may help in the development of these agents as therapeutics for humans with SCI-induced bladder dysfunction. |
Aug 25, 2023 | Dr. Mickle, an assistant professor in the department of Physiological Sciences at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the 2023 University of Florida Excellence Award for Assistant Professors, a campus-wide achievement and top honor for junior faculty. |