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High speed microscopy advances research
The lab uses high speed fluorescent microscopy to determine responses of single cells and tissues to mechanical and chemical stimuli.
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What do ion channels do in the gastrointestinal tract?
The lab uses single-molecule, whole-cell conventional electrophysiology and optogenetics to better understand gastrointestinal physiology.
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Seeing is believing
Confocal and super-resolution microscopy are valuable tools utilized in the lab’s studies.
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Novel techniques to study gastrointestinal physiology
The lab develops novel techniques for studying mechanosensitive ion channels in the gastrointestinal tract.
Overview
Functional gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, are common but difficult to diagnose and treat because the mechanisms are poorly understood. The lack of high-quality diagnostic tools and targeted treatments is frustrating for both the patient and physician. Because there is a great need for improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, Arthur Beyder, M.D., Ph.D., leads the National Institutes of Health-funded Gastrointestinal Mechanotransduction Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. This lab studies the molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal (GI) function in health and disease. The ultimate goal of the work performed in Dr. Beyder's laboratory is to utilize this information to provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the patients with functional GI diseases.
Dr. Beyder and his colleagues focus on the molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal motility. It is well-known that mechanical forces affect GI function and that in many patients with functional GI diseases, mechanical sensitivity is abnormal. Therefore, the work in Dr. Beyder's laboratory is specifically focused on understanding how mechanical forces impact cellular function both in health and disease. Dr. Beyder's group studies a type of mechanical sensors in cells called mechanosensitive ion channels, which are critical for normal GI function.
A wide variety of techniques are utilized in the laboratory. Studies start at the cellular and molecular level, using electrophysiology as the foundation and complementary techniques, ranging from immunohistochemistry to single-cell genomics. Conventional microelectrode-based electrophysiology and optogenetics are used as well. Tissue function profiling is accomplished utilizing Ussing chambers for secretion and muscle bath for contractions.
Finally, to understand how stimulation at the molecular level impacts animals, a variety of transgenic mouse models are used to do live studies. Mechanical stimulation is integrated into these experiments with a variety of approaches, such as pressure clamp and flexible substrates.