Neuro-urology and Neuroscience Research
Disorders of voiding and storage of urine in the bladder, these include overactive bladder, incontinence and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), affect millions of people and become even more prevalent with aging. The lack of a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying LUT function hampers treatment.
Fundamental (i.e., not-clinical) research conducted in our lab is aimed at elucidating the molecular and cellular basis for voiding dysfunction. We study the functional and anatomical interface of CNS nuclei with the brainstem micturition control centers, both in healthy and in disease models.
Connecting the Neuroscience and Urology fields: lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are likely caused or exacerbated by dysfunction of neural circuits controlling bladder function. Despite some progress in our understanding of the cellular and synaptic circuits in the brain and spinal cord that control reflex and voluntary micturition, significant knowledge gaps remain. We aim to identify the etiology and unravel the underlying neural mechanisms of lost bladder-control as this often accompanies neurological disorders, and to provide mechanistic insight for novel treatments to be developed.
Center for Life Science building
Location: Our lab is located in the Center for Life Science, where many of our collaborators from the Departments of Neurology and Medicine at BIDMC are also located.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Center for Life Science
3 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115