The major focus of the Scavuzzo lab is understanding how a cell maintains its functional identity when challenged. Glia are incredibly plastic cells. How do these cells listen to their surroundings, integrate that information, and respond appropriately?

The gut is an intensely fluctuating environment, where cells must cope with a bombardment of stimuli and interact with not only other cell types from different germ layers but even different species. Enteric glia weave through every layer from the outside in from esophagus to rectum. These glial cells in the gut are incredibly plastic. Our goal is to understand the genetic mechanisms by which enteric glial cells integrate information and either shift functional states or maintain their original state.

In the Scavuzzo lab, we promote and practice radically open science. We are committed to openness, transparency, and support of other labs to further the advancement of science rather than the advancement of individuals. We aim to share our technologies and approaches with others. Reach out to Marissa for open discussions about project directions and advances being made in the lab prior to publication. Here are some of the protocols we are using to advance our science:

CitraPrep

Primary Culture

HIO+ENS

snRNAseq of the mouse duodenum