Michelle Southard-Smith
Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP)
Human Genetics Program (HGEN)
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB)
Program in Developmental Biology (PDB)
Vanderbilt Brain Institute (VBI)
Vanderbilt Genetics Institute (VGI)
Our group is focused on peripheral innervation of visceral organs specifically the intestine and lower urinary tract. We are working to define the gene networks that control lineage specification and differentiation of neural crest stem cells as they give rise to the innervation of these organ systems. Our team uses mouse models in transgenic and gene-targeted strategies in combination with bioinformatic approaches in human and mouse datasets to dissect the pathways that regulate gastrointestinal motility and bladder function.
Our group is focused on peripheral innervation of visceral organs, including the intestine and lower urinary tract. We aim to understand how the peripheral nervous system in these organs normally develops and how disruption of specific genes or subtle effects of genetic background can alter neural crest development and later effect organ function. We rely on mouse models and lineage specific transcription factors in transgenic and gene-targeted strategies to tease apart pathways that regulate gastrointestinal motility and bladder contraction.
Keywords: Neural Crest Development , Peripheral Nervous System , Genetics and Genomics , Transcription Factor , Stem Cells , Developmental Neurobiology
Research Area: Stem Cell Biology & Regeneration , Genomics , Molecular Pathology , Developmental Neuroscience , Developmental Biology