Brian D Gulbransen

Brian D Gulbransen is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University, with faculty appointments in both the Neuroscience Program and Genetics & Genome Sciences Program. His research focuses on neuroinflammation, glial cell biology, and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in gastrointestinal disorders.

• Academic Rank: Professor
• Departments: Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Genetics & Genome Sciences Program
• Location: Biomedical Physical Sciences Building, Room 3181
• Contact: gulbrans@msu.edu

Research Overview: Investigates neuron-glia interactions in the ENS to understand their role in gut physiology and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focusing on how glial changes during neuroinflammation contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Gulf War Illness.

Scientific Recognition: Holds the MSU Research Foundation Professor Award for his contributions to enteric neuroscience. His work has been cited in high-impact journals like Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Annual Review of Physiology.

Research Trends: Recent publications highlight enteric glial heterogeneity, purinergic signaling mechanisms, and neuroimmune crosstalk in gut-brain axis disorders. His studies also explore lipid signaling pathways (lysophosphatidic acid), pannexin channels, and glial regulation of intestinal immunity.