NYC Gazette

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have unveiled a significant finding regarding the gut's ability to detect the movement of food, potentially paving the way for improved treatments for digestive issues.

A study published in the journal Cell demonstrates how Piezo1, a specialized pressure sensor within the gut, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut motility and immune balance by assisting nerve cells in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Often referred to as the "second brain," the ENS autonomously regulates digestion without brain intervention.

The research was led by Hongzhen Hu, PhD, and MS, Professor of Neuroscience, and Scientific Director at the Icahn School. The study concluded that Piezo1 is essential for gut nerve cells to control digestion, nutrient absorption, and inflammation reduction. These insights could have implications for treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and other issues related to gut movement.

"Mechanosensation is fundamental for normal gut function, influencing peristalsis and immune responses. However, how the gut senses and responds to mechanical forces has remained poorly understood until now," stated Zili Xie, PhD, and Assistant Professor at the Icahn School, who also served as the study's first author. "Our study establishes Piezo1 as a crucial pressure sensor in enteric neurons, linking its function to gut motility, exercise-induced motility changes, and inflammation regulation."

The study also explores how mechanical forces, such as exercise, influence gut movement, providing further insight into how lifestyle changes can enhance digestive health.

"The ENS is an incredibly complex and autonomous network that influences not just digestion but also immune function, brain health, and systemic disease," explained Dr. Hu. "By identifying this molecular mechanism behind how the gut senses movement, this work advances the fundamental understanding of gut physiology and sets the stage for future therapeutic innovations," added Brian Kim, MD, Director of the Lebwohl Center.

Future research aims to investigate whether Piezo1 in gut nerve cells impacts other gut functions and contributes to additional gastrointestinal diseases. The team plans to focus on translating these findings into clinical applications for treating disorders of gut motility and inflammation.

The research was a collaborative effort, involving Ruaidhri Jackson, PhD, and colleagues from institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Washington University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Flinders University, and Maynooth University. It was funded by grants from sources including the National Institutes of Health, the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group and Family Foundation, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is known for its research excellence, educational programs, and patient care, serving as the academic partner for eight hospitals within the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. With significant NIH funding and a large graduate medical education program, the institution emphasizes translational research and innovation.