Mechano-regulation of gene expression in the gut
Mechano-regulation of gene expression in the gut - Dr. X.Z. Peter Shi
Many gastrointestinal disorders are associated with mechanical stretch (distention). Among the stretch-related conditions are bowel obstruction, pseudo-obstruction, achalasia, pyloric
stenosis, mega-colon, and constipation. They represent great digestive health challenges in adults and children. Dr. Shi and his colleagues have found that mechanical stretch induces marked expression of mechanically sensitive genes such as COX-2
in the gastrointestinal tract. This novel mechanism of mechanotranscription plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of stretch-related conditions such as bowel obstruction, pseudo-obstruction, achalasia, and constipation. Dr. Shi's lab is awarded
by NIH funding to investigate mechano-regulation of gene expression in the gut. A further understanding of the signaling mechanism involved in stretch-induced gene expression in the gut will direct novel treatments towards these disorders.
The secretory function of gut smooth muscle cells
The secretory function of gut smooth muscle cells - Dr. X.Z. Peter Shi
Gut smooth muscle has long been known as a contractile tissue. Recent studies by Dr. Shi and Dr. Sarna demonstrate that gut smooth muscle cell is not just a "passive" contractile cell; it also "actively" participates in the process of inflammation and
visceral sensitization by secreting cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and adhesion molecules. Further study on this novel function of gut smooth muscle cell may lead to new therapeutic targets for the treatments of inflammatory bowel disease and
irritable bowel syndrome.