University of Nevada-Reno · PhysiologyThe Cajal Dynamics Lab
Sal Baker · Reno, Nevada
Research Focus
Dr. Sal Baker's lab at the University of Nevada Reno studies how specific cells in the colon, called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), help control gut movement. They are exploring how these cells interact with smooth muscle and nerves to regulate contractions in the intestines, which is important for understanding disorders like constipation. The goal is to uncover new regulatory mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for gastrointestinal motility issues.
intestinal motilitycolonic motor activityinterstitial cells of Cajalsmooth muscle regulationneurotransmitter signaling
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how ICC generate and propagate calcium waves in the colon.
AIM 02Determine the role of ICC in orchestrating colonic contractions.
AIM 03Characterize how neurotransmitters affect ICC function.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureimaging techniqueselectrophysiologyoptogeneticstransgenic animal modelsfluorescence microscopyintracellular calcium measurementcontractility assays
Output against the department
Publications94bottom 25% of dept.214th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.3kbottom 16% of dept.241st of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.