Meenakshi Rao, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School;
Affiliate Member, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital

The digestive tract represents the largest interface between the human body and the outside world. This tract is richly innervated by extrinsic neurons with cell bodies located outside the gut, as well as a vast number of intrinsic neurons and glia located within the gut that constitute the enteric nervous system (ENS). These nerve circuits are at the nexus of dynamic, bidirectional interactions between the outside world and the inside world. This seminar will describe the architecture of the gut-brain axis, highlight examples of how cellular and molecular interactions along this axis regulate physiology and pathophysiology, and discuss how these pathways might be therapeutically targeted to advance human health.

Refreshments will be provided!

A small group lunch with the speaker will follow this event. This lunch will be open to Harvard students, fellows, and research assistants. Please indicate on the registration form if you are interested in attending.