David Linden

BACKGROUND: Enterochromaffin cells (ECs) are specialized gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells that transduce luminal forces and chemicals into release of signal molecules including serotonin (5-HT) to alter GI function including mucosal ion transport…

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a lipid phosphatase, while its protein phosphatase activity is being suggested. Since the classical role of PTEN as a tumor suppressor is unclear in the gut, we hypothesize PTEN’s alternative function in regulating gut homeostasis…

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic gastroparesis (IG) is an increasingly prevalent subtype of gastroparesis and causes significant morbidity and decreased quality of life…

The wiring of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is a dynamic process throughout development and adulthood. In the embryo, enteric neural crest derived cells expand and differentiate into the glia and neurons that form the ENS…

Paneth cells reside at the bottom of the crypts in the small intestine and are crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the epithelium by engendering host protection from enteric pathogens…

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract respond to luminal content including pressure to initiate motor reflexes. Advillin is a marker of mouse IPANs and Avil-CreERT2 mice can drive the expression of optogenetic ion channels…

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders, such as chronic constipation, dysphagia, and fecal impaction, are more common in the elderly. In the vascular system, increased tissue stiffness with age is associated with a decline in contractile function of smooth muscle cells (SMCs)…

SOCIETY: AGA

BACKGROUND: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), electrically active cells found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, generate spontaneous electrical slow waves, and transmit these waves to smooth muscle cells in the gut to produce phasic contractions…