Melanie Maya Kaelberer

My research goal is to document the neural circuits that are activated by chronic stress and alter GI sensory processing of nutrients. My work aims to first define the underlying efferent (brain-to-gut) neural circuitry and how it modulates visceral sensing in synaptically connected sensory enteroendocrine cells, known as neuropod cells. Identifying a circuit in which neurons in the emotional center of the brain can tune the gain of sensory epithelial cells in the intestine in order to change their sensitivity. This fundamental circuitry will form the basis for understanding functional GI disorders that are associated with anxiety and stress, and elucidate potential therapeutic targets for treatment.