We seek to understand how the brain controls the bladder. The pontine micturition center (PMC) in the brainstem is postulated to be the control center that receives information from within the brain and that sends information to the spinal cord. PMC neuronal axons extending from the brain connect to preganglionic parasympathetic motoneurons to coordinate the bladder muscles.

In order to dissect the neural circuits involved in urine storage and voiding, we use neuroscience technology to activate or silence specific neuronal populations and study effects of the interventions on micturition behaviors in conscious mice. Through the functional mapping of the CNS and of circuits that control these behaviors, our studies will lead to profound insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and related disorders.