Welcome to the Gut Brain Lab at the University of Arizona

At the Gut Brain Laboratory, we are driven to understand how our gut and brain communicate. Led by Dr. Maya Kaelberer, our goal is to understand the implications of our gut sense in fundamental processes such as our emotional states, social interactions, and food choice.

Using cutting-edge interdisciplinary approaches, including advanced molecular tools, in vitro/in vivo calcium imaging and electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis, we aim to dissect the neural circuits of gut-brain sensory transduction. Our research focuses on identifying and manipulating specialized gut sensory cells, known as neuropod cells, and the neurons they directly synapse with to communicate bidirectionally with the brain.

We stand at a pivotal moment in decoding our gut’s sensory language to revolutionize how we approach diet-related diseases and emotional well-being, recognizing the profound wisdom held within our internal sensory world — in other words, in gut we trust!

Join us on this exciting journey of discovery!

GutBrainLaboratory@gmail.com