Welcome to the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona!
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Tucson community, our department stands at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and innovative teaching methods that shape the future of healthcare and biomedical sciences.
Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a visitor, please explore our website and join us on a journey of discovery, learning, and innovation as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in physiology.
Welcome, and enjoy your exploration!
Explore all positions and shape the future of physiology with us.
Join our team and contribute to advancing the field of physiology!
News
Department of Physiology participated in Tucson's Festival of Books
This year, the Department of Physiology hosted a table that presented as part of the Science City section of the festival. Read more about the festival.
Publication Highlights
A gut sense for a microbial pattern regulates feeding
Physiology PI Maya Kaelberer, PhD, is a co-corresponding author on a recent publication in Nature.
Abstract:
To coexist with its resident microorganisms, the host must have a sense to adjust its behaviour in response to them. In the intestine, a sense for nutrients transduced to the brain through neuroepithelial circuits guides appetitive choices1-5. However, a sense that allows the host to respond in real time to stimuli arising from resident gut microorganisms remains to be uncovered. Here we show that in the mouse colon, the ubiquitous microbial pattern flagellin-a unifying feature across phyla6-stimulates Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) in peptide YY (PYY)-labelled colonic neuropod cells. This stimulation leads to PYY release onto NPY2R vagal nodose neurons to regulate feeding. Mice lacking TLR5 in these cells eat more and gain more weight than controls. We found that flagellin does not act on the nerve directly. Instead, flagellin stimulates neuropod cells from the colonic lumen to reduce feeding through a gut-brain sensory neural circuit. Moreover, flagellin reduces feeding independent of immune responses, metabolic changes or the presence of gut microbiota. This sense enables the host to adjust its behaviour in response to a molecular pattern from its resident microorganisms. We call this sense at the interface of the biota and the brain the neurobiotic sense7.
Read More in Nature
Major Grants
Dr. Erickson earns grant to study a method of predicting labor
By having patients wear a smart ring that can measure physiological data, especially skin temperature, Dr. Erickson will test an algorithm that would predict the start of labor. Read more about the grant.
Awards
Monique Peña receives Wildcat award
Monique Peña, MEd, an academic advisor with the Department of Physiology, was selected as the Wildcat Achievement Award winner as part of the 2025 Student Success Awards. Read more about the award.
Research Spotlight
How do we breathe?
The Fregosi Laboratory studies how the motor neurons that control the muscles of the breathing develop, and how perinatal exposure to neurotoxins alters their normal development. Read more.
Student & Alumni Highlights
Alumni Q&A: Dr. Mandy Agbannawag
Recently, the Department of Physiology caught up with Mandy Agbannawag, PT, DPT, for a Q&A. Dr. Agbannawag is a 2015 alumna of the University of Arizona Department of Physiology who went on to earn her doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University in 2018. Read more about Dr. Agbannawag.
Explore all positions and shape the future of physiology with us
Join our team and contribute to advancing the field of physiology!
Undergraduate Program
Explore the wonders of the human body and its intricate functions with our highly-regarded Physiology & Medical Sciences program at the University of Arizona! Learn about our curriculum and how you can customize your degree to prepare for your unique career and professional school goals.
Graduate Programs
Unlock your potential and become a trailblazer in your field with the University of Arizona's Graduate Program. At the University of Arizona, physiologists are at the frontier of biomedical research. Our discoveries and techniques rapidly translate into clinical breakthroughs to treat and cure human diseases.
Faculty
Where Expertise Meets Inspiration: Our diverse and accomplished faculty at the University of Arizona are shaping minds and advancing knowledge to build a brighter future for all.
Alumni
Proud Alumni, Powerful Legacy: The University of Arizona's graduates are leaders, innovators, and change-makers, driving positive impact worldwide.
Seminars & Events
The University of Arizona's Physiological Sciences GIDP presents Felipe Polk as part of the Physiological Sciences Student Forum.
The seminar will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00am in Arizona Health Sciences Center room 8403.
The lecture will also be available via Zoom.
Support Physiology at the UA!
Funds from private philanthropy and government and institutional grants support the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona. While every source of funding is important, private philanthropic support is especially vital to the success of the department's research and teaching efforts.