Overview
Dr. Swain is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and a basic research scientist. He has expertise in ion channel biology and is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of mechanically activated ion channels in regulating pancreatic and intestinal pathophysiology. Mechanical ion channels regulate critical physiological processes such as cell migration, growth, and tissue repair. However, altered channel activities lead to fibrosis and cancer. His long-term goal is to understand how mechanosensing regulates pancreatic and intestinal function and regeneration and how targeting these channels could be a checkpoint to pancreatic and intestinal fibrosis. Dr. Swain works with Dr. Rodger Liddle on the following areas: (1) mechanisms of mechanically induced acute pancreatitis (2) mechanisms of pancreatic fibrosis (3) gut neuroendocrine cell signaling and (4) pancreatic regeneration and cancer.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Piezo1-induced durotaxis of pancreatic stellate cells depends on TRPC1 and TRPV4 channels.
Journal Article J Cell Sci · April 15, 2025 Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are primarily responsible for producing the stiff tumor tissue in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thereby, PSCs generate a stiffness gradient between the healthy pancreas and the tumor. This gradient induces durota ... Full text Link to item CiteLRG1 inhibition promotes acute pancreatitis recovery by inducing cholecystokinin Type 1 receptor expression via Akt.
Journal Article Theranostics · 2025 Rationale: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal disease affecting nearly 3 million people annually worldwide. Although AP is typically self-limiting, up to 20% of patients may develop life-threatening complications. Individuals who suffer f ... Full text Link to item Cite554 THE MECHANO-GATED ION CHANNEL, PIEZO1, REGULATES PANCREATIC EXOCRINE SECRETION VIA DYNAMIC CHANGES IN CELL VOLUME
Journal Article Gastroenterology · May 2024 Full text CiteRecent Grants
Mechanisms of mechanically-induced acute pancreatitis
ResearchResearch Associate · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2025Mechanisms of Pancreatic Fibrosis
ResearchResearch Scientist · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2025Metabolic regulation of pancreatitis
ResearchResearch Associate · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2025View All Grants