Force Sensing Shapes Physiology and Behavior From Within

Many organs are in continual motion as they stretch and squeeze to perform critical functions such as feeding, digestion, breathing and excretion. These movements are actively detected by the sensory nervous system to control physiological reflexes and integrated by the brain to shape physiology and behavior.

In this Presidential Lecture, Kara Marshall will explore how the nervous system detects and integrates internal mechanosensation. The Marshall lab uses the key mechanosensory PIEZO ion channels as genetic handles to probe how mechanosensation contributes to the physiology of the urinary and gastrointestinal tract. In addition to understanding basic mechanisms of mechanosensation, this work explores how aging and disease alter mechanosensory processes and contribute to dysfunction and discomfort. Ultimately, understanding mechanical interoceptive processes has enabled deeper insight into how the brain integrates sensory information to control fundamental behaviors.