David R. Linden

David R. Linden, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. His primary affiliation is with Mayo Clinic's research division, holding an Administrative Appointment as Associate Consultant II-Research. He leads multiple NIH-funded projects focusing on enteric nervous system biology, gastrointestinal motility disorders, and neuroregenerative strategies. Dr. Linden’s research integrates molecular biology, animal models, and clinical insights to understand gut-brain interactions and develop therapies for conditions like gastroparesis and enteric neuropathies.

Education includes a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota and BS in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Postdoctoral training included roles at the University of Vermont (Anatomy & Neurobiology) and University of Minnesota (Psychiatry).

Research Focus: Key areas include enteric glia-neuron signaling, intestinal motility mechanisms, microbiota-gut interactions, and regenerative therapies for enteric neuropathies. His work emphasizes translational studies using murine models and patient-derived samples.

Grants & Projects: Active grants include NIH-funded studies on intrinsic afferent neurons, computational autonomic neurobiology, and polyp growth signaling. Recent projects explore adeno-associated virus therapies for diabetic gastroparesis and circadian rhythm influences on gut transit.

Affiliations: Director of the Enteric Neuroscience Program and member of Mayo’s Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology and Center for Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune Neurology.