The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a key hub for maintaining the body’s health. Homeostasis of the GI tract can be influenced by both intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. Host factors include metabolism, signaling and differentiation of the multiple cell types lining the GI tract, while exogenous factors include luminal microbiota and metabolites, as well as diet. Understanding the roles of each of these mediators as well as their interplay is critical for developing approaches to disrupt the development of GI disease. Our lab’s research focuses on understanding and modulating host intrinsic and extrinsic factors to prevent and treat colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Our projects include:
- Disrupting tumor cell metabolism through targeting synthesis and exogenous availability of nutrients for CRC prevention and treatment.
- Dietary and pharmacological approaches to alter the influence of gut luminal factors on intestinal tumor development.
- Modulating immune cell metabolism to ameliorate IBD.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of the gut injury response to enhance wound healing.
